Translator: FenrirTL
Editor/Quality Checker: Saphartlantis
Murim Term Consultant: Kopke
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Chapter 354: Only if we leave him alone will the Young Leader die
Once Bih Sa-in left, his subordinate Sahon approached the Battle King, pulling the cart.
“I’ll move the luggage for you.”
As Sahon loaded the gifts given by the martial artists onto the cart, the Battle King also took a seat.
As they exited the training ground, their telepathic conversation began.
―So the Young Leader noticed after all?
The Battle King gave a slight nod. It was something he had already anticipated when the assassins failed to kill Pyo Gigwang.
―Then why did he come?
―A declaration of war. And to show off. Assassins like the ones you sent won’t work on him.
―He’s still young.
A sneer curled up on Sahon’s lips. In contrast, doubt lingered in the Battle King’s heart.
―He’s definitely changed from before.
But he couldn’t quite tell what exactly had changed. 1
―Have you figured out how he survived today’s ambush?
At Sahon’s question, the Battle King shook his head.
―Could the Alliance Leader be helping him?
―Not the Alliance Leader. If he were involved, things wouldn’t be handled this way.
―Then the Young Leader will undoubtedly seek help from Monster Evil and Flash of Light.
Monster Evil and Flash of Light. They were part of the Seven Great Unorthodox Masters, elites Bih Sa-in had once brought along to flaunt his influence during the three way meeting concerning the Heavenly Flower Sect’s fate.
―He likely will.
―If we give him time, it’ll work against us. I’ll personally lead my subordinates and take care of it before he meets them.
―That won’t be necessary.
The Battle King lay down among the luggage piled on the cart and uttered incomprehensible words.
―Only if we leave him alone... will the Young Leader die.
* * *
Descending from the cliff, Bih Sa-in immediately sent a letter and rented a carriage and horses. To avoid attention, he left behind the Thirteen Wolves and headed to his destination alone with Geom Mugeuk.
Bih Sa-in silently looked out at the scenery.
He calmed himself ahead of the great battle to come. He was prepared to die, and this would be more dangerous than any battle he’d faced until now.
Of course, part of him wanted to avoid it. A voice in the corner of his mind constantly urged him to run to the Alliance Leader.
―Already forgot? You got angry and made a decision earlier—you regretted it, didn’t you? Same thing now. Once this is over, you’ll regret this choice. Go now, tell the Alliance Leader and fix this.
With complicated feelings, Bih Sa-in looked toward Geom Mugeuk.
As always, Geom Mugeuk sat quietly with his eyes closed.
Then, suddenly, Geom Mugeuk spoke.
“Regretting it again?”
“You must have eyes on the back of your head, and on your eyelids too.”
“So I’m like a monster? Just say I see with my heart.” 2
Geom Mugeuk slowly opened his eyes.
“Every time we ride a carriage, you close your eyes and start murmuring something. What is it you’re practicing?”
“Heavenly Demon Body Protection Technique.”
Bih Sa-in was inwardly taken aback. He hadn’t expected the exclusive martial art of the Heavenly Demon to be mentioned.
“Is it alright to tell me such a secret?”
“What’s the harm? It’s not like I told you the incantation. What’s so wrong with just saying the name of the technique?”
There were realms one couldn’t reach just by learning verbally or trying to imitate. It was a statement that had slipped out without him realizing.
“I’ve lost.”
“I think it’s fine to admit that, too.”
“So what? Am I supposed to just let you drag me around?”
“What’s the harm? Being dragged around, you get to see stars, birds, clouds. Sure, the one doing the dragging will strut around and act high and mighty at first, but after a while, even that person will get tired. They’ll start hoping someone would drag them for a change.”
Bih Sa-in gave him a look as if to say, Unbelievable.
“You talk like you’ve lost before, when you never have.” 3
“You know my father, right? There’s no point in hiding anything from him. He sees through everything. You should see the way he mocks me.”
It was hard to believe that even someone like Geom Mugeuk could be forced on the defensive by someone. Then again, it made sense if that someone was Geom Mugeuk’s father.
“What kind of person is your father?”
“You probably know more about him than I do.”
Bih Sa-in gave a faint smile at the half-joking, half-serious response.
“I’ll introduce you next time. Meet him and judge for yourself.”
'Will the day come when I greet the Heavenly Demon?'
“You’re getting serious again. It’s not the Young Leader of the Unorthodox Alliance greeting the Heavenly Demon. It’s just a friend greeting a friend’s father.”
'A friend’s father.'
In his life, friend was as foreign a word as any.
“By the way, why aren’t you asking who we’re going to meet?”
Well, that’s because he already knew. Geom Mugeuk had a good guess as to who Bih Sa-in was going to for help.
“Which of the two are you meeting first?”
Bih Sa-in shook his head.
“Do you know something? You really come off as lacking any humanity in moments like this.”
He regretted the words the moment he said them. If someone so lacking in humanity were helping him, would he even be here?
“Let me ask just one more thing.”
“Go ahead.”
“Do you think even Senior Gwe or Senior Gwang won’t be enough?”
When he had seen Instructor Hwang, his skill felt on par with that of an Alliance Training Center instructor.
In other words, someone whose ability far surpassed his own to deceive his senses.
Geom Mugeuk answered honestly.
“If the two of them attack together, it might be possible. Alone? Not a chance.”
Bih Sa-in had somewhat expected that answer, but it still surprised him. To think their opponent required a joint effort from two of the Seven Great Unorthodox Masters.
Then Geom Mugeuk added something even more shocking.
“If their coordination isn’t perfect, it’ll still be tough.”
* * *
The carriage arrived at the appointed location.
“Young Leader, welcome.”
“Thank you sincerely for coming all this way.”
“Flash of Light is waiting inside. Come, let’s go in.”
They were two of the Seven Great Unorthodox Masters who had a close connection with the Unorthodox Alliance. More precisely, they were individuals who followed the Alliance Leader.
Monster Evil glanced over to confirm there was only one accompanying person.
“Came quietly, I see.”
He had met Geom Mugeuk once in the past, but did not recognize him in this moment.
Geom Mugeuk wore a mask and kept his head low, avoiding eye contact. He also suppressed his qi to the level of an average member of the Thirteen Wolves.
The idea that the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult would be posing as a member of the Thirteen Wolves and escorting Bih Sa-in was much too ridiculous to even occur to him, so Monster Evil failed to recognize Geom Mugeuk.
Geom Mugeuk entered the room as well. Since members of the Thirteen Wolves always accompanied the Young Leader, it didn’t raise any suspicion.
Inside the room, a drinking table had been prepared, and Flash of Light was already waiting.
“Thank you for coming, Senior.”
Flash of Light, who was typically silent by nature, simply offered a slight nod in greeting.
Bih Sa-in sat at the table and sent a telepathic message to Geom Mugeuk.
―Would you like to reveal your identity and sit with us?
―It’s fine. I’ll stay here.
Geom Mugeuk remained standing a short distance behind Bih Sa-in.
“I started drinking while waiting. Here, Young Leader, have a glass.”
As they drank, they shared light conversation—from personal well-being, to the Alliance Leader, to recent happenings in the martial world.
Then Flash of Light offered a drink to Geom Mugeuk as well. Geom Mugeuk turned his head and drank beneath his mask.
Bih Sa-in was quietly impressed.
‘So the Young Leader has the skill to conceal his presence even before these two.’
After several rounds, the real discussion began.
“So then, what did you call us here for, Young Leader?”
“There’s something I need to ask of you two, Seniors.”
Bih Sa-in spoke with caution.
Even Monster Evil, who now wore a pleasant expression, was a notoriously cruel and volatile grandmaster with a fearsome reputation in the martial world.
Flash of Light, though his quiet demeanor made him seem less menacing, was known for being faster than words with his sword.
The reason they were showing him courtesy now was solely out of respect for the Alliance Leader. Bih Sa-in had yet to build any personal bond or trust with them.
“I’ve identified a covert group that poses a threat to the Alliance.”
At those words, Monster Evil and Flash of Light’s gazes turned sharp.
“Who are they?”
“Their leader is Instructor Hwang Seokgyeong from the Alliance Training Center.”
When Hwang Seokgyeong’s name was revealed, the two men looked utterly baffled. They were more shocked by the fact that it was him than by the mention of some secret force threatening the Alliance.
“If you know who the enemy is, then just eliminate them. Why call us out here?”
“He’s hiding his true strength.”
“To the extent that we’re necessary?”
“Yes. Both of you will need to go.”
A moment of silence passed. Bih Sa-in did not conceal the opponent’s skill. He made no foolish mistake of downplaying Hwang Seokgyeong’s ability just to preserve the two men’s pride.
Monster Evil asked with half disbelief.
“Does the Alliance Leader know?”
“Not yet.”
“Why haven’t you told him?”
What came next was key to persuading them.
“He’s been entangled with me from the start. He even tried to kill me.”
“He tried to assassinate you?”
“Yes. That’s why I want to end this man with my own hands.”
Monster Evil stared at Bih Sa-in.
“So you want to handle this well and earn the Alliance Leader’s recognition.”
Bih Sa-in answered honestly once again.
“That’s right.”
Monster Evil glanced at Flash of Light. Flash of Light said nothing and simply kept drinking.
Monster Evil didn’t readily offer his help.
“If what you say is true, it’s quite dangerous. Why should we help?”
Bih Sa-in didn’t say it was a great opportunity to gain merit in the Unorthodox Alliance, nor did he claim it would be doing a favor for the next Alliance Leader. He didn’t bother saying that an instructor dreaming of becoming the Alliance Leader was absurd.
“I’ll be direct. If I become Alliance Leader, I’ll give each of you what you want.”
“Do you even know what I want?”
“On the day I rise to the position of Alliance Leader, I’ll give you the secret manual of Slashing Ghost Shadow Step that’s stored in the treasury.”
A glint shone in Monster Evil’s eyes.
Slashing Ghost Shadow Step was the secret manual Monster Evil had long desired. When trained alongside his exclusive technique Slashing Iron Body, it produced far greater effects—but unfortunately, he had never been able to learn Slashing Ghost Shadow Step.
The reason he had done so many things for the Alliance Leader all this time was precisely to obtain that manual.
It was a double-edged promise. If he accepted this condition, he would do everything he could to help Bih Sa-in ascend to the leadership as soon as possible.
But once the manual was handed over, Bih Sa-in would no longer be able to use him.
“Is there any guarantee you’ll keep your word?”
“If you want, I’ll write a contract under my name.”
Only then did Monster Evil nod.
“Very well, I accept under that condition.”
Bih Sa-in then looked at Flash of Light.
“Senior, I don’t yet know what it is you desire. Please tell me what you want.”
Only then did Flash of Light finally speak.
“I want your life.” 4
Silence fell upon the room.
Then, Monster Evil let out a hearty laugh.
“When someone rarely speaks, a joke like that really lands.”
Bih Sa-in laughed along as well.
But Flash of Light didn’t laugh. The words that followed were unlike his usual self—poured out all at once.
“When you went out earlier to greet the Young Leader, I laced the drink with Energy Dispersing Poison. They say it’s a specially refined version of Black Queen—indeed, you didn’t notice it. Unless you possess a body immune to all poisons, you won’t be able to use your internal energy for the next half hour. Of course, I took the antidote in advance.”
In that instant, Monster Evil checked his internal energy. His expression turned cold. His energy had indeed dispersed.
“What is this? Playing such tricks—it doesn’t suit you.”
Instead of responding, Flash of Light simply continued what he had been saying.
“Today, the one who will kill the Young Leader here will be you. After you kill him, it’ll appear as if you vanished from the martial world. A large sum will be deposited into your account at the Central Plains Money Exchange, and evidence will surface suggesting you accepted a commission to kill him.”
Flash of Light calmly said such utterly horrifying words without so much as blinking.
“You lunatic! You’ve gone mad, haven’t you? Think I’ll just sit and die because I don’t have internal energy?”
Despite his roaring confidence, despair filled him. Fighting Flash of Light without internal energy? It would be like a child fighting a martial artist.
“Sorry for using Energy Dispersing Poison. It just means I didn’t underestimate your skill, so don’t take it too harshly. I’ll see to it that your body is buried in a sunny place.”
Bih Sa-in was no less shocked and confused. Even with his internal energy, he couldn’t handle Flash of Light. The real problem was that Geom Mugeuk had also drunk the liquor.
Now that he thought about it, the one who gave the drink to Geom Mugeuk had been Flash of Light. He should’ve suspected something when that normally silent man went out of his way to offer a drink to a subordinate.
“You’re working with Hwang Seokgyeong?”
Flash of Light didn’t answer, but his silence was a clear affirmation.
“Why did you side with him?”
Flash of Light stared out the window for a moment before quietly replying.
“I fought him... and lost. I promised that if I lost, I’d serve him.”
There was reverence in the way he said ’him’.
Bih Sa-in realized that, just as Geom Mugeuk had said, Hwang Seokgyeong truly was a formidable figure. It wasn’t just about the promise. He had been genuinely captivated by Hwang Seokgyeong’s strength and had willingly submitted.
Then, at last, Geom Mugeuk, who had silently watched all this unfold from behind, opened his mouth.
“Strange, isn’t it? The human heart. Between the two of them, I had thought Monster Evil would be the one to betray us.”
At Geom Mugeuk’s words, everyone turned to him. His sudden interjection drew curious looks not just from Monster Evil but from Flash of Light as well. The tone of conversation also did not sound at all like that of a superior and a subordinate.
“Don’t tell me... you predicted this situation?”
“You going to meet these two—Hwang Seokgyeong must’ve predicted that as well. And yet he didn’t try to stop you. Two of the Seven Great Unorthodox Masters might become enemies, and he just let it happen? Doesn’t that strike you as highly suspicious?”
Now that Bih Sa-in heard it, it did seem suspicious. Why hadn’t these thoughts come to him at the time?
“Then why didn’t you prepare for it?”
“Prepare how?”
“You shouldn’t have drunk the liquor.”
“How could I not drink when he was staring right at me with those wide eyes? Was I supposed to spit it out in front of that guy?”
Shiiing!
Flash of Light’s swift sword sliced through the air.
Tap.
The mask, severed by the blade, clattered to the floor. Knowing the blow wasn’t meant to kill him, Geom Mugeuk didn’t dodge. In fact, it took greater courage and skill to read the opponent’s intent and not evade, rather than trying to dodge the strike itself.
Revealing his face, Geom Mugeuk lightly rubbed his chin and mouth and spoke.
“I’ve been having a hard time with that mask anyway. Thanks for slicing it off. I’ve been saying, the inner lining on this thing really needs to be replaced.”
1 : Because you are a hollow man, unable to understand the feelings of others.
2 : It is a far more difficult discipline to master compared to martial arts. The human heart is ever changing, ever lying, and ever mysterious.
3 : Not in this life, but before, he constantly lost. It took him more luck to survive till the end than to acquire all the ingredients for the Great Regression technique.
4 : I already had doubts when he kept silent about Bih Sa-in assassination attempt, so I can’t say I’m surprised.