Chapter 767 : To Meet the One Who Raised a Son Like You

Chapter 767: To Meet the One Who Raised a Son Like You

The next morning, a carriage was prepared in front of the inn.

Ji Han woke up at dawn and made thorough preparations for departure. He fed the horses until they were full and cleaned the carriage until it gleamed. All that was left was to get on and set out.

However, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One-Slash Sword Supreme did not board the carriage.

“Go on ahead first. We’ll take in the breeze a little longer before returning.”

During their walk the previous night, the One-Slash Sword Supreme had said something unexpected.

—We’ve come all this way. It’s been so long; let’s stop by Taihu Lake before we go back.

Taihu Lake was in Jiangsu Province, just north of Zhejiang. In the past, when Geom Woojin and the Fist Demon King had roamed the martial world, they, along with the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One-Slash Sword Supreme, had met there. He couldn’t remember exactly what had happened back then, but he vaguely recalled that it had been quite enjoyable.

It was one of the few memories she had from her younger years spent with the Blood Heaven Blade Demon.

—I'm curious how much it has changed.

—Let’s go see it ourselves.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon had made the decision without hesitation. No matter how pleasant it was to travel with Geom Mugeuk, it could not compare to a journey alone with the One-Slash Sword Supreme.

Ordinarily, he would have made a fuss, saying, ‘Why are you two going alone? Take us with you!’ But this time, Geom Mugeuk sent them off without protest.

“You’re stepping out after a long while, so take your time. In fact, you don’t have to come back for a year. When I returned after being away for so long, I realized something frustrating. The cult runs just fine even without us.”

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One-Slash Sword Supreme exchanged a light farewell glance with the Sword King.

As he turned away, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon sent a voice transmission to the Sword King.

—The Young Cult Leader likes you quite a bit. Stay by his side as much as you can.

Without waiting for a reply, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon began walking, and the One-Slash Sword Supreme followed him.

Geom Mugeuk stood there for a while, watching the two figures walk away. Please, may you build many new memories before you return.

Turning back with a smile, “Now then, let’s head out as well.”

Geom Mugeuk and the Sword King boarded the carriage, while Ji Han climbed onto the driver’s seat. There were still three of them, but this time, he was returning with two different companions than when they had departed.

Geom Mugeuk leaned his head out the carriage window and shouted loudly.

“Let’s go! To the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult!”

Though he shouted with great vigor, the carriage did not move.

“Why aren’t we going?”

Ji Han turned back with a slightly flustered expression and said,

“I don’t know where the main division of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult is.”

Geom Mugeuk laughed and shouted,

“When you don’t know where to go, just run anyway!”

The Sword King, listening inside the carriage, smiled faintly. Those very words were meant for himself as well.

Should he really go to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult? he had wondered.

What’s there to think about? Just go!

And so, toward the place where their new lives awaited, the carriage began to speed forward.

*         *         *

The Dark Palace Master, Hwa Mu-gyeong, was enveloped in darkness.

Was he having a nightmare? A faint groan slipped from his lips, seeping through the shadowy smoke that coiled around his body.

The darkness surrounding him trembled as if convulsing.

“Ugh!”

A short distance away, the Priestess Palace Mistress, Gaye, who had been sitting with her eyes closed, opened them.

“Were you having a bad dream?”

Ssshhh.

The darkness encasing Hwa Mu-gyeong slowly parted, revealing his face. Beads of sweat glistened on his deeply furrowed brow. One could easily guess the nature of his dream from his expression alone.

Out of habit, Hwa Mu-gyeong lifted his head and looked toward the ceiling. The constellations above were already shining brightly. Fortunately, compared to before he had fallen asleep, no new stars had lit up.

Since giving his last command, Hwa Mu-gyeong had not left this room at all.

It was a chamber that held a large secret box, a mural with six orbs on the back wall, and a ceiling marked with constellations that indicated how much of the seal had been undone.

“The dream should be yours to see.”

Hwa Mu-gyeong spoke in a deep, resonant voice.

Gaye understood what he meant. He was implying that it was she who should be receiving the prophecies.

Yes, right now, they desperately needed a prophecy. She had no sense of where this situation was headed.

Ssshhh.

Just then, a black hole formed on the floor, and Hwe, Hwa Mu-gyeong’s subordinate, rose from it.

Even before he spoke, the silence and the look in his eyes revealed the outcome.

“We have failed.”

Gaye reacted first. Sitting behind him, she let out a deep sigh.

“Haa…”

They had failed to locate the final orb — the Midnight Pearl. Naturally, that meant they had also failed to extract the energy within Geom Mugeuk’s body.

It was the moment their last shred of hope vanished.

She had expected Hwa Mu-gyeong’s fury to erupt, but unexpectedly, he remained calm. That calmness was far more terrifying. Now, there was nothing strange he couldn’t do.

“Did you summon all the souls of the dead?”

“Yes.”

“And still failed?”

Hwe answered with a dejected expression.

“All the souls have been extinguished. And Ak Gunhak survived… he has joined forces with the Young Cult Leader of the demonic cult.”

Hwa Mu-gyeong did not grow angry at the report. If this operation had failed, it was only natural. After all, he had anticipated Ak Gunhak’s betrayal — the man had been sent for the very purpose of summoning souls.

Hwe dropped to his knees and bowed low.

“Before the seal is fully undone, I will find the energy of Midnight, no matter what it takes.”

But even after summoning the spirits of the dead, they had achieved nothing. How could he possibly do it now? Loyalty alone could not resolve this.

Just then—

Fwooosh!

From the mural on the wall behind Gaye, light burst forth from the secret box. The spot that glowed was, astonishingly, the final remaining circle.

“The energy of the Violet Path has appeared in the world.”

The entire room was bathed in a violet light that painted their stunned faces, a shock beyond surprise.

“No way… Are you saying the Young Cult Leader has found even the last energy?”

The one who answered Hwa Mu-gyeong’s question was not a person—but the mural itself.

Fwaaaaaaah!

The six circles began to shine all at once, and from the square at their center, light poured out. As the center square blazed, the six surrounding circles lost their glow.

“The Six-Origin Energies have merged into one!”

There had been five energies within the Young Cult Leader—but the meaning of six merging into one was clear.

“The Young Cult Leader has absorbed the power of the Six-Origin Energies.”

Her voice, which had burst out like a cry, faded into a hush.

“……The power of the Six-Origin Energies now belongs to the Young Cult Leader.”

A heavy silence filled the chamber.

Hwa Mu-gyeong slowly lifted his head toward the ceiling and, beyond it, the heavens themselves, speaking in a voice as cold as steel.

“So this is your will? Is this pathetic reality what you’ve left us after three hundred years?”

The prophecy that had been passed down for three centuries was wrong. That power had gone not to them—but to the Young Cult Leader.

Until now, even when the Young Cult Leader had taken the power of the orbs, they had accepted it as destiny—believing that after he gathered them through hardship, the power would ultimately fall into their hands.

There had been a prophecy that the Heavenly Will Palace would rule over the martial world.

“This is your divine will? You cursed heavens! Do you think I’ll give up? Don’t make me laugh! This is not your will—it is mine, and the will of those who have struggled for three hundred years!”

As if in response to his furious cry—

Pop.

Another star lit up.

The sight made Hwa Mu-gyeong’s eyes tremble.

He seemed to reach a decision.

Ssshhh.

The darkness enveloping Hwa Mu-gyeong’s body dissipated in an instant.

He stood fully revealed, his body bearing the deep, wrinkled marks of countless years.

It was the first time Gaye had seen him with the darkness completely gone. Until now, the shadows had always lingered around him.

And she understood why he had cast off the aura of darkness.

Because soon, the darkness itself would emerge into the world.

Even if he could not control it—and even if he had to submit to it—he had resolved to accomplish his purpose. The one who had once ruled the darkness was now prepared to be ruled by it.

He had not given up yet.

*         *         *

The carriage continued racing toward the main division of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

Geom Mugeuk was enjoying his time with the Sword King. He cooked with his own hands and served him meals, and at night, they lit campfires on beautiful open fields.

As the cool breeze flowed in through the carriage window, they spoke of martial arts—and, more than anything, they had the chance to experience it firsthand.

“Brother Ak, it’s been a while. How about a sparring match with me?”

Geom Mugeuk was curious to see how his body, now reborn and transformed, would perform in battle. And there was no one better to test it against. He couldn’t simply let the opportunity pass.

However, he made sure Ji Han would not watch their match.

“It’s not because the martial arts we’ll use are secret or anything like that—it’s because watching it might actually hinder your future growth.”

A duel only benefited those who were at least somewhat close in skill. Watching a battle between him and the Sword King would only distract Ji Han from his path.

On a windswept plain, Geom Mugeuk and the Sword King faced each other.

Both men knew how precious this moment was. Nowhere else in the entire martial world would they find such a worthy opponent or such a chance to cross blades.

The Sword King gazed silently at Geom Mugeuk. Even without drawing his sword, the weight of his presence was palpable.

‘His pressure… it’s different.’

It was completely unlike the feeling from the last time their swords had met. And so, the first words he spoke to his opponent came quietly from his lips.

“Shall we truly fight this time?”

Geom Mugeuk smiled gently.

“Why so serious, Brother Ak?”

Shrring.

Geom Mugeuk drew the Black Demon Sword in one smooth motion.

The difference between him simply standing and him standing with his sword drawn was immense.

‘No… you’re even more terrifying.’

The thought crossed the Sword King’s mind— ‘With that playful smile, he could kill me.’

The Sword King slowly drew his own iron sword.

Their eyes met, each searching for an opening—and then, they moved at the same instant.

Clang!

Their swords collided.

Geom Mugeuk did not immediately strike again.

The moment the blades met, he closed his eyes and sank deep into thought.

The Sword King had no choice but to wait for him to open them. And in that stillness, he understood.

‘He’s already surpassed me.’

It was clear—Geom Mugeuk had realized something profound from that single exchange, one that the Sword King had delivered with his full strength.

Perhaps, through that one clash, Geom Mugeuk had already simulated hundreds of battles within his mind.

How much time had passed?

Geom Mugeuk finally opened his eyes. Their swords were still crossed.

“Why are you so strong, Brother Ak?”

It was clear he had reached enlightenment from that one exchange.

“You should change that iron sword for a treasured blade!”

Never before had the Sword King thought to replace it. That old iron sword had always been enough.

“I want to see you wield a true sword, Brother Ak.”

Geom Mugeuk was speaking—telling him to wield stronger swordsmanship with a stronger blade.

Holding on to an old iron sword certainly looked admirable, but even that pride was a kind of cage. One could only grow stronger by breaking free of it. It was time, he said, to put on new shoes.

The Sword King instinctively understood.

The day he would take off those shoes again would be the day he would no longer need even the iron sword.

“I’ll find a treasured sword for you.”

“I’m rich, you know.”

“I’ll find something money can’t buy.”

“You’ll buy me shoes, a sword, even introduce me to a woman—why are you doing this to me?”

Sheathing his sword, Geom Mugeuk began walking back toward the carriage.

“To keep Brother Ak tightly bound by my side, I’ll have to put in the effort. And that effort… hasn’t even begun yet!”

*         *         *

The carriage rolled on and on until it finally arrived at the main division of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

The moment Ji Han saw the grand structures towering beyond the high walls, his heart pounded as if it might burst.

‘We’re finally here.’

The demonic followers guarding the front gate emanated an overwhelming demonic energy.

He had practiced what to say over and over in his mind from a distance.

‘This carriage carries the Young Cult Leader! No, wait—The Young Cult Leader rides within! Make way! Should I say it that forcefully?’

He couldn’t possibly ask Geom Mugeuk such things, so his heart only raced faster with nervous energy.

He also thought that, since this was his first time entering the main division, they might have him get down for inspection or questioning. He worried and imagined countless scenarios—but in the end, the result was anticlimactic.

The gates opened, and the demonic guards bowed respectfully.

“Please proceed straight ahead.”

They already knew Geom Mugeuk was aboard.

As they entered the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, Ji Han couldn’t help but exclaim in awe.

“Ah!”

A vast open space spread before them.

Everywhere he looked stood endless rows of grand buildings—and between them, towering statues of fearsome demons.

Countless followers of the demonic cult moved busily across the grounds. Passing through the gates truly felt like stepping into another world.

Geom Mugeuk stopped the slowly moving carriage.

“Let’s get down and walk. It’ll be a good chance to look around the cult.”

Geom Mugeuk, the Sword King, and Ji Han stepped down from the carriage.

As passing demonic followers caught sight of Geom Mugeuk, they stopped and respectfully clasped their fists in greeting.

“We greet the Young Cult Leader!”

“Have you all been well?”

“Yes, sir!”

From afar, other cultists who recognized him also bowed, and Geom Mugeuk waved to each of them in return.

“I’m not doing this to create a good impression so Brother Ak will grow fond of this place! Don’t misunderstand!”

“I wasn’t thinking that, actually.”

The Sword King found that Geom Mugeuk’s behavior in the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult was exactly as he had imagined.

He treated true masters with genuine respect, and his subordinates without arrogance or cruelty. The bright smiles directed toward Geom Mugeuk were clearly sincere, not pretense.

Geom Mugeuk turned to Ji Han.

“How does it feel?”

“I still can’t believe it.”

“From now on, this is your home.”

Ji Han still couldn’t grasp the reality of it—the fact that he had once attacked the very man destined to become master of this immense place, and now stood as that man’s subordinate.

Overwhelmed by the sheer grandeur of the cult, they finally arrived at the Heavenly Demon Pavilion.

“You wait here. There’s someone I’ll introduce you to later.”

“Yes, Young Cult Leader.”

Leaving Ji Han behind, Geom Mugeuk turned to the Sword King.

“Brother Ak, shall we?”

The Sword King looked up at the massive demon statue standing guard at the entrance of the Heavenly Demon Pavilion.

He had never imagined there would come a day in his life when he would meet the Heavenly Demon himself.

“Nervous?” Geom Mugeuk asked.

The Sword King shook his head.

“No.”

“As expected! Brother Ak’s courage is unmatched.”

But that wasn’t it. Geom Mugeuk had misunderstood completely.

“It’s not that I’m not nervous. I’m terrified. You see my hand shaking?”

“Why?”

“Because I’m about to meet the man who raised a son like you.”

Geom Mugeuk laughed softly.

“Don’t worry. I’m a better version of him—‘the blue surpasses the indigo, and the waves behind push those ahead,’ as they say. My father is, surprisingly, a rather ordinary and kind man.”

The two stepped into the Heavenly Demon Pavilion together.

Beyond the crimson path ahead, standing upon the Celestial Zenith’s Throne, was Geom Woojin.

Even from a distance, the pressure of his presence made it hard to breathe. The Sword King muttered quietly, almost to himself,

“You lying brat…”