Translator: FenrirTL
Editor/Quality Checker: Saphartlantis
Murim Term Consultant: Kopke
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Chapter 361: If You Had a Son Like Me
Bih Sa-in was doing everything he could to recover his body as quickly as possible.
He circulated his energy, again and again.
After completing the cycle several times, he rose to his feet. His whole body still ached, but he couldn’t just sit still due to the suffocating feeling.
When Bih Sa-in walked out into the yard, Geom Mugeuk was there, gazing up at the sky.
He looked at the back of him, which seemed lonelier than ever, then walked over to him.
“What are you spacing out about like that?”
Geom Mugeuk turned to look at Bih Sa-in and smiled. Now he smiled like that so easily when facing him. He was always one step ahead. In making plans, in putting them into action, and even in human relationships.
Could he ever smile as brightly as that? Could he truly cast aside the doubt that this man had only approached him to use him? It really was an endless loop of trusting and doubting.
“I’m making a conscious effort to look at the sky. When’s the last time you looked up at it?”
“It’s been a while.”
“Then come here and look at it with me.”
Bih Sa-in sat beside Geom Mugeuk and looked up at the sky.
“Your aura feels like the sea, so why do you like the sky so much?” 1
“I like the sea too. Let’s go there next time. We can flirt with the lady warriors who visit.”
Just imagining Geom Mugeuk hitting on women at the beach was funny. And how awkward would he look just standing next to him?
“How’s your body?”
“Much better now.”
“That’s a relief.”
Geom Mugeuk’s gaze, which had been on Bih Sa-in, returned to the sky. Bih Sa-in also quietly looked at the drifting clouds with him.
“What kind of person is the Unorthodox Alliance Leader?”
Geom Mugeuk didn’t know much about the Unorthodox Alliance Leader. Everyone had died before he got the chance to learn properly. All he knew of the Martial Alliance Leader or the Unorthodox Alliance Leader were things recorded in history.
After hesitating a moment, Bih Sa-in let out a soft sigh.
He had been pondering what to say, only to realize that he didn’t really know much about his master either.
“It hasn’t been long since I started trying to really look at Master properly, so I don’t really know.”
At that honest answer, Geom Mugeuk nodded and replied.
“Honestly, I’m the same. I try so hard to look at my father properly, but when you ask me about him, I don’t really know what to say.”
“Is it difficult because it’s your father or your master? Or is it just naturally this hard?”
“Isn’t it both?” 2
The two looked at each other and shared a faint smile. By now, Bih Sa-in’s rough face wore a smile that suited him quite well.
“Are you nervous about meeting the Alliance Leader?”
“I am.”
“I think this is the first time I’ve seen you nervous.”
“I used to pretend to be strong, but now I’m being honest because we’re friends.”
Bih Sa-in also expressed his honest feelings.
“Sorry for leaving it to you.”
No matter how much he hurt, it was something he should’ve done himself. Even if he had to be carried in a cart, he should have gone. Think about it—he was standing here alive and well. If he had sent Geom Mugeuk in his place, what would the Unorthodox Alliance Leader think of him?
So he had thought about insisting on going himself. He even considered asking to go together.
But instinct stopped him. Just leave it to Geom Mugeuk. Don’t bring up useless pride in a crucial moment. Get involved when it matters, and step back when needed.
But there was still one thing he wanted to say.
“I’m receiving your help now, but one day, I’ll be the one helping.”
“That’s why I asked in advance, didn’t I? When that time comes, help me out a little. The more you get used to me, the more you’ll realize I’m nothing special. When that happens, think of it this way—let’s not let familiarity consume appreciation. Even if we’ve known each other a while, don’t dismiss me too much.”
Would that really happen? Geom Mugeuk felt like the kind of person who would keep surprising him even when his hair turned completely white. He could already picture himself saying this as an old man: Haven’t you had enough? Can’t you stop being so clever? Stop catching me off guard all the time. 3
Even if it didn’t turn out that way—
‘The more I get used to you, the more I’ll respect you.’
Bih Sa-in still couldn’t reveal his entire heart.
Just then, a demonic cultist from the retreat came and delivered a letter. It was a discreet letter from the Unorthodox Alliance.
“The Alliance Leader sent word asking for a private meeting.”
Il-rang had done it.
Bih Sa-in looked at Geom Mugeuk. His fate now hinged on this meeting.
“I’ll be back.”
As Geom Mugeuk rose from his seat, Bih Sa-in stood up with him. He was tempted to make a joke about not messing things up with the Alliance Leader but held back.
“Please explain everything well to the Alliance Leader.”
So prove to me once again that my instincts were right, my friend.
* * *
On a windblown field, Geom Mugeuk arrived.
In that wide-open place, Baek Jagang was already there, waiting.
The moment he saw Geom Mugeuk walking toward him, Baek Jagang knew.
‘He’s definitely that man’s son.’
He hadn’t released any demonic energy, nor shown a particular aura, but Baek Jagang knew. And the decisive thing—
‘He looks like him.’
The image of Geom Woojin overlapped with Geom Mugeuk and then separated again. He pictured the two of them walking side by side.
‘Well, at least he’s good-looking.’
Compared to Geom Woojin’s cold and intense appearance, he was certainly more handsome and pleasant to look at. Instead of that arrogant glare that looked down on people, his clear, deep eyes left a striking impression.
“I greet the Alliance Leader.”
Geom Mugeuk bowed his head respectfully.
Though he knew the other was the Young Cult Leader, Baek Jagang pretended otherwise.
“How do I know you’re truly the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult?”
He was testing him—watching how he would react.
Geom Mugeuk put on a deliberately surprised expression.
“Would anyone in this world dare to deceive the Unorthodox Alliance Leader?” 4
“The martial world is full of masters as countless as grains of sand. There could well be someone who would. What proof do I have that you’re not an assassin sent to kill me?”
“If I had the skill to succeed in an assassination while under suspicion from the Unorthodox Alliance Leader himself, I wouldn’t be working as an assassin.”
Even at Geom Mugeuk’s reply, Baek Jagang showed no change in expression. Eventually, Geom Mugeuk ran a hand across his face and shouted out proudly:
“Have you ever seen an assassin this handsome?”
That ridiculous line drew an incredulous smile from Baek Jagang.
He wasn’t used to people joking with him, so he was weak to this kind of banter. If Geom Mugeuk was taking such things into account during their conversation, then for someone his age, he was quite clever indeed.
“Truthfully, I’ve never even seen an assassin.”
“Of course not. What idiot would dare try to kill the Alliance Leader?”
Within his casual words, he still showed recognition and deference toward the Unorthodox Alliance Leader. He didn’t flatter as he would with the Demon Supremes, but he tried his best to match the man’s mood.
Baek Jagang’s first impression was peculiar. He was unlike his father and unlike Jin Paecheon, the Martial Alliance Leader. Was it because his eyes were small? It was hard to read what he was thinking.
“After a short conversation with me, you’ll say, ‘Ah, this kid really is the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult.’ And by the time we part ways, you’ll feel regret and say, ‘Why don’t you come by the Alliance with me?’ A few days after that, you’ll tell me to sit on the Dark Tyrant Throne.”
“Confident, aren’t you.”
“If I didn’t have at least this kind of wild confidence, how could I dare stand before the Alliance Leader?”
Baek Jagang had originally approached Geom Mugeuk with the suspicion that he was someone skilled at charming people. That’s why he was sure he wouldn’t be swayed no matter what he said.
Still, this conversation was refreshing. It had been a long time since someone had spoken so freely in front of him.
And even more so, someone who would say something like—
“What would you think if you had a son like me?”
“I’d definitely hate it.”
Baek Jagang answered flatly.
Honestly, so would I. 5
Geom Mugeuk agreed. It wasn’t quite hate—more like he’d be a burden. In that sense, maybe Baek Jagang shared some resemblance with himself.
Staring into the clear eyes watching him, Baek Jagang asked,
“I hear you like to charm people.”
“I simply like people. Because of that, I’m often suspected of being a flatterer.”
“I’ve never seen a demonic cultist who liked people.”
“Well, you’re finally seeing one today.”
Baek Jagang stared straight at Geom Mugeuk. The rumors that he was good at spotting lies weren’t exaggerated. When someone lied, Baek Jagang could feel it. Ah, this guy is lying. A chill would run down his ear.
“Please take a good look at me today. Judge for yourself whether I’m trying to charm you or if I simply like you.”
He hadn’t sensed a lie from Geom Mugeuk so far. He was simply curious where this confidence stemmed from. It wasn’t easy to be this composed in front of him.
“Why did you want to meet with me?”
“The reason I asked to meet today is to tell you the truth.”
“What truth? That the Deputy Strategist of the main alliance, who’s meant to take the seat of Chief Strategist, is a traitor?”
“That’s right.”
“And this isn’t some wicked, dark truth laced with the schemes of the Demonic Cult?”
“The darker and more wicked the truth is, the more it shines.”
Geom Mugeuk understood—it wouldn’t be easy for Baek Jagang to accept this. Acknowledging it would mean admitting that both he and the Unorthodox Alliance had been played by those men.
“Where is Sa-in now?”
“He’s being treated for injuries at our cult’s retreat.”
The moment he said that, Geom Mugeuk saw it—irritation and worry flickering simultaneously across Baek Jagang’s face.
“How badly was he hurt?”
“He suffered serious injuries, but fortunately, they’re recoverable.”
“Who did it?”
“Haven’t you received a report on who’s responsible yet? Well, of course. If someone wanted to fabricate evidence, it would be in their best interest to delay the report as much as possible. The ones who ambushed the Young Leader were the Flame Sky Twin Swords. And the one who sent them was Hyeok Sagun.”
Geom Mugeuk watched for Baek Jagang’s reaction.
There wasn’t the slightest emotional shift. It was hard to tell whether he hadn’t decided who the real traitor was, or if he simply considered Geom Mugeuk’s words a lie.
“You didn’t send them?”
“It was my first time seeing them. It was also the last time.”
Baek Jagang stared at Geom Mugeuk with those narrow eyes, as if trying to see right through him.
Had he received that gaze head-on, he might have calmly endured it. But Geom Mugeuk pretended to be intimidated and slightly averted his eyes. Stepping back like that was a gesture of courtesy toward the Unorthodox Alliance Leader.
“Right now, Sa-in is at our retreat, being guarded by Monster Evil, one of the Seven Masters of the Unorthodox Alliance, so there’s no need to worry. Ah, but perhaps my lord doesn’t trust Monster Evil.”
“At the very least, he’s not someone who would harm Sa-in. I’m more inclined not to trust you.”
“Please don’t think of me as a demonic cultist. Think of me as a friend of your disciple. Trust your disciple’s judgment more than you trust me.”
“Friend, huh. Never had one in my life, so I wouldn’t know.”
He really wasn’t easy to deal with. He spoke as if he were open-hearted, but it was really hard to read what lay beneath.
“You’ll know by what Hyeok Sagun does next.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m saying—watch who he tries to frame. Hyeok Sagun will use this incident as an opportunity to eliminate his political enemies. He’s probably already planted all the evidence. Pay close attention to whom he points the finger at.”
Geom Mugeuk didn’t intend to win over Baek Jagang’s trust with just this one meeting.
It’s always impatience that ruins everything. The bigger and more important the matter, the more people rush to see results—and that’s precisely what ruins it.
He could leave now and return after Hyeok Sagun removed his enemies. They could meet again ten times, or even a hundred if needed. This was a situation that had to be approached with that kind of mindset.
“I’ll return and speak with you again at that time.”
“There’s no need.”
“Pardon?”
“I understand enough. From this point forward, stay out of the alliance’s affairs.”
This was the exact reaction Geom Mugeuk had feared and dreaded the most. Whether Baek Jagang believed him or not, he was trying to cut him out entirely. 6
“Return to the Demonic Cult.”
When Geom Mugeuk didn’t reply, Baek Jagang released his qi. The energy he unleashed bore down on Geom Mugeuk with crushing force.
As if demanding an immediate answer, the pressure of his energy was so intense it became difficult to breathe. Geom Mugeuk’s body instinctively activated the Heavenly Demon Body Protection Technique to shield himsel.
Normally, he would have joked—“Of course, I’ll leave right away!”—and backed off. There was no need to reveal his strength unnecessarily.
But Geom Mugeuk endured. It was instinct that made him do it.
‘I have to withstand this.’
Rather than flinch, he even wore a relaxed expression, provoking Baek Jagang further.
Baek Jagang’s qi intensified. The energy swirled around Geom Mugeuk like a storm. The pressure alone shattered the ground and sent rocks flying.
Baek Jagang’s aura was truly immense. Had it not been for that instinctual urge, it was a force no one should’ve dared to resist.
Yet Geom Mugeuk withstood it. And kept withstanding it.
At the peak of Baek Jagang’s pressure—
Geom Mugeuk’s face suddenly brightened, and he shouted:
“I did it!”
At the same moment, his body finally gave out and was thrown backward, rolling across the ground.
Only then did Baek Jagang withdraw his qi.
He approached, wondering why this brat had held out so long, when Geom Mugeuk suddenly sprang to his feet and said,
“Thanks to my lord, I’ve made a breakthrough in my martial art.”
In the process of enduring Baek Jagang’s pressure, his Heavenly Demon Body Protection Technique had reached mastery. It had been stirring inside him through his recent training, and today, it finally blossomed in full. 7
Geom Mugeuk had never imagined that he would achieve the Twelfth Star of his Heavenly Demon Body Protection Technique from this meeting. The path of martial arts truly moved in unpredictable ways.
Geom Mugeuk dropped to his knees and offered a deep bow.
That display made Baek Jagang flinch. He hadn’t expected the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult to bow to him. 8
“My lord must have guessed why I was holding out and continued pressing me to the very end. I truly thank you.”
Of course, that wasn’t why Baek Jagang had pushed so far. He had wanted to test the limits of Geom Mugeuk’s martial prowess. There had also been a slight feeling of, You dare endure this?
“Why tell me that? You didn’t have to mention it, did you?”
“I have to tell you if I want to thank you. It’s an achievement I owe to my lord.”
From the start, Baek Jagang had approached Geom Mugeuk with great caution, so he hadn’t been particularly moved. Good at talking, witty, clever—that was the extent of it. Someone like this wouldn’t be able to charm him.
But then he bowed without hesitation. Expressed his gratitude like this?
Come to think of it, not once today had that familiar chill crept up around his ears.
“Your father wouldn’t be pleased if he found out, would he?”
Baek Jagang pictured the arrogant Heavenly Demon’s disapproving expression.
“If he learned that my lord helped his son reach a breakthrough in martial arts, he’d thank you himself. He’d probably tell me to bow ten times. My father is not someone who lets pride get in the way of the greater good.”
A comparison to the Heavenly Demon—an unavoidable provocation for Baek Jagang.
‘Look at this brat, huh?’
1 : He longs to roam the sky, but he’s weighed down by his sea of tears. So the more you know him, the more he’s as unfathomable as the sea, but clearly, he wants to be as free as the wind.
2 : Knowing how difficult their personality are, it’s definitely both XDXDXD
3 : God, I just pictured Mugeuk in a nursing home, he would drive the personnel insane XDXDXD
4 : Well yes, look at Hyeok Sagun and the Battle King.
5 : Hehehehe, I would find it both fun and exasperating. Fun to see him be happy, joke around and cause chaos, exasperating because I would need to take care of the mess afterwards XDXDXD
6 : It’s an understandable reaction, but an absolutely unwanted one right now.
7 : Yaaaay, finally !!! Second martial art to reach 12 Stars !!!! Congrats !!!!
8 : And he’s sincere too.