Chapter 380 : I held off everything even when I was alone

Translator: FenrirTL

Editor/Quality Checker/Notes : Saphartlantis

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Chapter 380: I held off everything even when I was alone

Jin Paecheon expressed a firm resolve to attend.

Geom Mugeuk spoke weakly, his face showing embarrassment.

“I will invite the Alliance Leader to this gathering as well.”

Geom Mugeuk remained committed to the act until the very end. 1

Jin Haryeong was beyond surprised by the outcome—she was in awe. She had played a major role in achieving this result, yet she never imagined it would really turn out like this.

‘In the end, everything went according to Mugeuk’s plan.’

If this person were to ever become an enemy? Could I or my big brother withstand them?

She once again felt that vague fear she had sensed before, now hitting her with sharp clarity.

Regardless, a plan they had devised together had succeeded. The Heavenly Demon Divine Cult receiving a visit from the Alliance Leader of the Martial Alliance had become reality.

Jin Haryeong now returned to her role as the granddaughter of the Alliance Leader, standing at the forefront of the three-person strategy team.

“How will you guarantee the Alliance Leader’s safety?”

This was the Alliance Leader’s official outing—surely, absolute masters would accompany him. However, since the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult had extended the invitation, it was their responsibility to ensure his safety.

“Our Cult will take responsibility. We invited such an esteemed guest—how could we possibly treat him with negligence?”

“And who will protect him from you?”

Thinking it was a joke, Geom Mugeuk laughed. But Jin Haryeong was serious.

“Promise that you’ll protect him. That you’ll make sure nothing happens.”

Her eyes spoke for her.

‘You know, right? That all of this was done because I believed in you.’

She trusted Geom Mugeuk more than she trusted the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Truly. This was something she did, prepared to be cast out and stand in the rain at the front gate of the Demonic Cult.

Geom Mugeuk met her gaze and replied,

“I promise.”

Only after feeling the sincerity in his clear, deep eyes did Jin Haryeong finally feel at ease.

‘Grandfather, I’m sorry for deceiving you. But I believe this is the right thing to do.’

She believed Geom Mugeuk’s words—that war could be avoided. And that this decision would ultimately lead to a better path for her grandfather.

Geom Mugeuk spoke to Jin Paecheon with respect.

“I will speak with our Cult’s strategist and coordinate the schedule. Thank you for making such a significant decision.”

Thinking of the three of them meeting made Jin Paecheon also recall Baek Jagang’s face.

‘Come to think of it, it’s been a while since I’ve seen that guy.’

Though he regarded him as a notch below Geom Woojin, he was well aware that Baek Jagang was no ordinary man. And naturally, one concern arose.

“But if the Unorthodox Alliance Leader hears that I’m going, wouldn’t he change his mind?”

“I will go and tell him myself.”

“You’ll go in person?”

“This is too important a change to be delivered by letter.”

They were about to have both the Alliance Leader and the Unorthodox Alliance Leader sit before the Demonic Cult’s main division. If necessary, he would go back and forth ten times—or a hundred.

Geom Mugeuk gave a polite bow.

“Then I shall take my leave. Let us meet at the tavern in front of our Cult.”

“Fine. Let’s see what kind of Demonic Path you’ve got.” 2

Jin Paecheon told Jin Hagun and Jin Haryeong to escort Geom Mugeuk out together.

Left alone, Jin Paecheon spoke into the empty air.

“I’ll probably get scolded by the strategist.”

Then, a deep male voice responded from the void.

“Do you truly believe the Demonic Cult Leader will kill the Unorthodox Alliance Leader?”

“I don’t know. How could I know what that man is thinking? The Geom Woojin I met over ten years ago wasn’t the type to pull such petty tricks. But who can say what kind of person he’s become, now that the world has changed so much?”

Jin Paecheon walked slowly and looked out the window.

He could see Geom Mugeuk, Jin Hagun, and Jin Haryeong standing side by side in front of the Alliance Leader’s Hall.

There had been several reasons behind his decision to attend the upcoming meeting.

There was some concern that the Demonic Cult and the Unorthodox Alliance might scheme together. And part of it was also curiosity about that young martial artist named Geom Mugeuk. How in the world had he managed to bring that stubborn Baek Jagang all the way to the front of the Demonic Cult?

Moreover, it was already known that Jin Hagun and Jin Haryeong both held a strong liking toward Geom Mugeuk. Naturally, Jin Paecheon felt he ought to take a closer look at the man himself.

However, if those were the only reasons, he wouldn’t have made such a decision without even discussing it with the strategist. The biggest reason why Jin Paecheon had decided to go was this:

He felt it was finally time to meet Heavenly Demon Geom Woojin once more.

When he had met him in the past, Jin Paecheon had seen the ambition to unify the martial world in Geom Woojin’s eyes and had suspected that he might one day start a war.

That was why he had poured all his strength into protecting the Orthodox martial world.

And now, before growing any older, he felt it was time to confirm it again.

‘If his eyes still look the same.’

If those eyes still held that same light, then he could not allow Jin Hagun to face them. His grandson was not someone who could withstand that gaze.

*      *      *

As soon as they left the Alliance Leader’s Hall, Jin Hagun let out a sigh.

“Why are you sighing? This is a time to be cheering.”

Jin Hagun ignored Geom Mugeuk’s words and spoke to his sister instead.

“We might’ve just thrown the Alliance Leader, our grandfather, into danger with our own hands.”

It felt like the morning after a long night of drunken fun. That’s always how it felt after spending time with Geom Mugeuk. 3

“Aren’t you worried?”

But Jin Haryeong was carefree.

“Worried about what?”

“Worried we might’ve been deceived by that man.”

At that, Geom Mugeuk cut in.

“Please, can you just not have that kind of conversation out loud!”

But even that didn’t stop Jin Hagun and Jin Haryeong from continuing their talk.

“He could’ve tricked us.”

“Exactly, right?”

“It could be a plot to get the Alliance Leader and the Unorthodox Alliance Leader in one place and take them both out.”

“But you don’t seem worried at all?”

“Since you’re worrying enough for the both of us. Otherwise, knowing my personality, I wouldn’t have been able to sleep properly starting tonight. So, thanks for being born first.”

Jin Hagun shook his head, as if to say she was hopeless, then glanced sideways at Geom Mugeuk.

Geom Mugeuk was looking up at the sky.

“How does the sky look when viewed in front of the Alliance Leader’s Hall of the Martial Alliance?”

“The same. Whether you look at it from here or from there, the sky is just the sky. That’s why I have no desire for this place.” 4

These were words filled with Geom Mugeuk’s true intentions. He had been constantly conveying it whenever he could—he held no ambitions. That they didn’t need to doubt him.

Again and again, even if it was a nuisance, he would keep saying it. Suspicion is inevitable, but nuisance is a choice.

“Still, it’s nicer seeing it together with you two.”

Jin Hagun recalled the look Geom Mugeuk had given him earlier. That provocative gaze, daring him to cross the line drawn in his heart.

‘I crossed it—just like you intended. Things have gone just the way you intended.’

And so, he kept making jokes like this.

“So, have you finished planning how to kill us all?”

A faint smile tugged at Geom Mugeuk’s lips as he continued looking at the sky.

“I told the Unorthodox Alliance Leader the same thing in a similar situation. That’s not my way. My way is sending people to the dueling grounds. We fight it out, and the loser steps away cleanly. I’m not the kind of man who would scheme just to take something…” 5

Geom Mugeuk didn’t finish the sentence.

If he looked back at himself before the regression, this would fit:

I had no affection for people or the world.

Maybe that’s why he was who he was now. Because of the regret and emptiness over that hollow life, where he had lived only for revenge, without giving any meaning to people, to the world, or even to himself.

Because he had seen the end of loneliness, he now intended to walk to the opposite end, all the way. Even if a greater regret awaited him, he would walk forward without hesitation.

“I prefer to have fun. Rather than sitting in that lofty Celestial Zenith Throne, I like the second floor of the Flowing Wind Tavern better.”

Now, both Jin Hagun and Jin Haryeong believed him. That’s why they had gone along with the plan today.

Before leaving, Geom Mugeuk spoke to the two of them.

“Do you know why I was able to carry this out with confidence?”

“What was the reason?”

“Because I trust my father. I trust that no matter the situation I create, he won’t let it become the worst-case scenario. So if you can’t trust me, then trust your Alliance Leader.”

“!”

Geom Mugeuk offered them a crisp martial salute.

“I won’t forget the help you gave this time. And please, make sure to come to our Cult.”

Even if she were ordered not to come, Jin Haryeong had made up her mind to follow—even if she had to hide in the luggage compartment of a carriage. She really wanted to visit the Flowing Wind Tavern she heard so much about.

That’s why this parting felt so regretful in the moment.

“Are you heading back to the Cult?”

“No. I said I was going to the Unorthodox Alliance.”

“Ah, right. You really do live a busy life.”

Just as Geom Mugeuk smiled faintly, he vanished in a flash. Just like when he had come, he disappeared like smoke.

“You’re really just going to leave like that?”

Jin Haryeong stood there for a long while, staring at the spot where Geom Mugeuk had disappeared.

‘I already miss him.’ 6

*       *       *

Just as Jin Haryeong said, it really was a busy life.

Using even his sleep time to push on without rest, Geom Mugeuk arrived at the main division of the Unorthodox Alliance. His Star Light Step training was definitely paying off.

He stopped by the inn that Bih Sa-in frequented. As always, he was eating there today as well.

—If you eat noodles too often, you’ll gain weight.

At the flying voice transmission, Bih Sa-in’s chopsticks paused mid-air. The only person in the world who would nag the Young Leader of the Unorthodox Alliance about picky eating brought an involuntary smile to his face. As always, Geom Mugeuk’s figure was visible across the street, between alleyways.

—What’s the occasion? I thought I’d only be seeing you at your Cult’s tavern.

—I have an urgent report for the Alliance Leader.

—Then go give it directly.

—That’s cold of you! You need to come with me.

—Isn’t it because it would take too long without me?

Waiting, queuing, seeking approval—only after passing through layer after layer of security could one finally reach the Alliance Leader’s Hall. It was the same at the Martial Alliance. In that sense, Jin Hagun and Bih Sa-in were shortcuts to that hall.

—You noticed?

Geom Mugeuk’s laughter echoed through the voice transmission.

Of course, he knew that wasn’t the real reason. He knew that Geom Mugeuk had come first just to keep him at the center of things, always placing him where it mattered.

—What’s going on?

—You’ll hear it directly with the Alliance Leader.

—How much are you planning to startle people this time?

—It’s not that kind of thing.

—Alright.

As Bih Sa-in moved to stand, Geom Mugeuk stopped him.

—Finish your meal slowly.

—How am I supposed to eat with you waiting right there?

—That’s exactly when you need to eat better. For martial artists, strength comes from food! Say I wait a hundred days—would I leave without eating? Say you caused a massive incident—would I skip my meal?

Bih Sa-in jumped up and shouted,

“You caused an incident?” 7

*       *       *

Geom Mugeuk was at the Alliance Leader’s Hall with Bih Sa-in.

“So the Martial Alliance Leader is attending the meeting too?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Well, things just got bigger.”

“Just think of it as gaining a new drinking buddy.”

“That drinking buddy being Jin Paecheon.”

Unorthodox Alliance Leader Baek Jagang disliked Geom Woojin, but he hated Jin Paecheon even more.

“The three of us, who all despise each other, are gathering?”

What began as a private drinking session between two men had now become a three-way conference.

Since Baek Jagang had become the Unorthodox Alliance Leader, the three had never once gathered in the same place.

“Was this your original plan?”

“No. At first, I only intended for my father and the Alliance Leader to meet. But somewhere along the way, I changed my mind.”

“Because it’s easier to send an invitation than to ask for the Martial Alliance Leader’s understanding?”

“That was part of it, yes, but a more important reason came up.”

“What reason?”

After a short pause, Geom Mugeuk replied.

“I thought… if not now, the three of you might never get a chance to meet again in this generation.”

“!”

Judging by the lack of chills on his ears, Baek Jagang could tell Geom Mugeuk was telling the truth.

“What’s the harm in not meeting?”

“Looking back later… I think I’d feel regret. Thinking, ‘You three dominated an entire era, and yet not once did you all sit together peacefully’.”

Now that he thought about it, Baek Jagang realized he had never once seriously considered a three-way meeting. He’d always assumed that if they met again, it would be on the day one of them died.

Listening silently beside them, Bih Sa-in suddenly had a realization.

‘So that’s why you always rush over to me the moment you get the chance?’

In that sense, at least in their own generation, there was no need to worry about the three not seeing each other. That Geom Mugeuk would keep dragging them together, over and over again, over important or meaningless things.

“Is that what you came here to tell me?”

“This meeting is happening thanks to the Alliance Leader, so of course I had to come in person to inform you.”

“And what if I said no? What if I said I can’t stand that crusty old man from the Martial Alliance?”

“I’d still try to bring you anyway. Whatever you wish—just say the word. I’ll make it happen, no matter what.”

What did he want?

What Baek Jagang truly wanted was to raise Bih Sa-in into someone even greater than the Geom Mugeuk standing in front of him now. To fill Geom Woojin’s arrogant eyes with envy.

“I’ll attend. See you at the tavern.”

Geom Mugeuk broke into a bright smile and gave a formal bow.

“Thank you so much for understanding. As expected, you’re a bold man, Alliance Leader.” 8

Just as Geom Mugeuk turned to leave after a respectful farewell, Baek Jagang asked one last question.

“What’s your ultimate goal for this meeting?”

Geom Mugeuk looked back at him and said,

“Sa-in here, and Commander Jin of the Martial  Alliance. When the three of us are together, it’s a lot of fun.”

Bih Sa-in’s lips twitched as he listened.

Shouldn’t you ask us whether it’s actually fun or not?

He wanted to crack that joke, but couldn’t bring himself to say it in front of his master.

“When the three of you gather, won’t it be fun? My goal is simply for this meeting to be an enjoyable one.”

“An enjoyable meeting? We’ll be lucky if the atmosphere isn’t outright murderous.”

“That in itself could be interesting, don’t you think?”

Baek Jagang gave a word of caution.

“You mentioned that the ones who targeted us last time—there’s someone behind them, right?”

“Yes.”

“What if they try to use this meeting as an opportunity?”

Geom Mugeuk answered calmly.

“It’ll be fine.”

“Why are you so confident?”

“I managed to fend them off even when I was alone. But this time, all three of you will be there.” 9

A peculiar smile crept onto Baek Jagang’s lips.

‘I suppose I’ll have to settle for being satisfied with this generation’s crop.’

That was also Baek Jagang’s way of saying that at the very least, he intended for the successor of the Unorthodox Alliance to win.

Bih Sa-in, having no idea what meaning lay behind the blazing eyes of his teacher directed at Geom Mugeuk, simply said,

“Then I’ll see you that day.”

He followed Geom Mugeuk outside to see him off.

“You really don’t worry about anything, do you.”

“Why should I? Now that all three have agreed, this matter is no longer in my hands.”

Even with that look that asked if he wasn’t being way too shameless, Geom Mugeuk stood firm.

“Let’s live out our own martial world.”

When he first heard those words, they had felt just like empty clouds. But now, they were starting to have real weight. That a younger generation’s martial world truly existed.

“There’s still the escort arrangements and scheduling to deal with—what will you do until then?”

“I’ll spend the day playing with the Demon Supremes and train at night. That’s how I’ll live. Don’t try to stop me from having fun!”

“Must be nice, having people to play with.”

“You have five more playmates than I do, don’t you?”

“!”

For a moment, Bih Sa-in was taken aback. If there are five more than the Eight Demon Supremes, then that makes thirteen—referring to the Thirteen Wolves of the Unorthodox Alliance. Bih Sa-in had never once thought about ‘playing’ with the Thirteen Wolves.

“Well then, see you later.”

In a flash, Geom Mugeuk vanished into the sky, becoming a distant dot.

Under that sky where he had disappeared, the Thirteen Wolves were standing not far off.

Suddenly, a thought struck him. Geom Mugeuk must’ve started with the Demon Supremes in a state like this too. No, the Thirteen Wolves at least had loyalty. Geom Mugeuk had likely built bonds with the Demon Supremes from an even more distant and awkward place. 10

Right—if I’m going to imitate him, I might as well do it properly.

“Let’s set aside the escort duties for today, grab some liquor, and head somewhere scenic. Let’s share some of those conversations we’ve long been putting off. Oh, by the way—anyone among you know how to dance?”

As surprised eyes all turned toward him, Bih Sa-in too looked up at the sky.

“The weather’s too nice to drink alone.” 11

1 : If it was me, I would have immediately cheered and high-fived the others. Since you’re the Martial Alliance Leader, you won’t go back on your word, riiiight~~ ? ^^

2 : Lol, I can imagine him asking that question again at the Flowing Wind tavern, only for Mugeuk to turn and shout at the customers,“What kind of Demonic Path do we have ?!!” and for them to answer as one,“One where we do not break tables !!!!” “Exactly !!! The next round is on me !!!” *Cheers* ^^ The unorthodox and orthodox guests would be completely floored XDXDXD

3 : He sure makes your mind dizzy in the same way XDXDXD

4 : *nods wisely* Do not get fooled by earthly obsessions, the land belongs to no one, let alone a sole tyrant. If there was a single owner, it would be resentment. Not a place in this world hasn’t been touched by human hands, and so there is not a single place not filled with resentment !!! Our hearts are candles, burn this place !!!! (Suicide Hunter, obviously)

5 : Not anymore. *pats in the back*

6 : *Pats in the back too*

7 : Lol, immediate reaction. Really, this reputation XDXDXD

8 : But not as bold as Charles. This man has the greatest plan XDXDXD (Henry Stickmin Collection)

9 : Yeah, he dug them out all on his own and hunted most of them alone. If they ever try to show up when all three tyrants of this era are present, I’ll at least admit they have guts, before they get dogpiled, that is.

10 : Yup, it was hard. Getting poked in the ribs hurts.

11 : He’s growing well, I’m proud of him ^^

* : This chapter was edited while listening to Undertale Remix: dj-Jo - UNDERTALE VIP (Straight from the Underground). Quite catchy ^^