Two people were walking down the corridor.
Leading the way was Guard Commander In Gung, with Geom Mugeuk following behind him.
As they neared the Alliance Leader’s Hall, Geom Mugeuk paused for a moment to look up at the iron wolf.
“So this is the Unorthodox Alliance’s famous wolf. I heard that in an emergency, this wolf comes to life to stop intruders. Is that true?”
In Gung gave no answer to Geom Mugeuk's question.
He had not uttered a single word while guiding Geom Mugeuk.
It was unusual for someone who rarely showed himself to be out like this; today was a special case.
“Hey wolf, if you happen to come alive later, don’t bite me.”
With that, Geom Mugeuk thrust his hand into the wolf’s mouth.
Then, suddenly.
“Aaaargh!”
Geom Mugeuk let out a scream filled with pain.
Despite his realistic acting, In Gung merely stared at him in silence.
Geom Mugeuk smacked his lips and pulled his hand out of the wolf’s mouth.
“I just played a little prank because you were so quiet.”
With a stoic expression, In Gung started walking again, and Geom Mugeuk followed.
What he had felt inside the wolf's mouth was a peculiar energy that only a master of his level could sense.
A large door opened, and the two men entered the Alliance Leader’s Hall.
In Gung naturally stepped back behind Geom Mugeuk and then vanished.
It was a high-level stealth technique, the likes of which he had only seen from his father’s guard, Hwi.
Far in the distance, the Unorthodox Alliance Leader, Baek Ja-gang, was seated on the Grand Advisor's seat.
Geom Mugeuk spoke as he walked toward him.
“In our Main Sect’s Cult Master’s Hall, there’s a red carpet laid on this path. Everyone calls it the path of blood. I don’t know the exact reason, whether it’s because the path to becoming the Heavenly Demon is so treacherous, or because the life and death of countless people are decided by those who walk it.”
From the distance, Baek Ja-gang replied.
“Have you ever looked beneath that carpet?”
“No.”
“There are likely mechanisms hidden beneath it that even masters cannot avoid.”
Geom Mugeuk stopped, crouched down, and examined the floor closely.
“They’re here too!”
The floor was densely covered with tiny holes from which poison needles could be launched.
If needles were fired from all these holes at once, it seemed unlikely that any master could survive.
It was a poison meant to protect the Alliance Leader’s Hall; it wouldn't be something a mere sip of Antidote could solve.
“They are more trustworthy than people.”
Yes, it would be stranger if the Unorthodox Alliance Leader trusted people.
“I’ll be sure to look under the carpet when I return.”
Geom Mugeuk stood up and started walking again.
When he reached the foot of the Grand Advisor's seat, he bowed respectfully.
“I never thought I would have a reason to enter the Unorthodox Alliance Leader’s Hall.”
“The same goes for me. I never imagined I would be welcoming you here.”
“As expected, Alliance Leaders look their coolest when they’re in the Grand Advisor's seat.”
He acted as comfortably as if he had entered the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect’s Cult Master’s Hall.
“Are you not afraid of me?”
“Of course, I am. After my father, you are the most frightening person I know.”
“Then why do you act as if you are not afraid?”
“In my experience, the people who seemed frightening never actually harmed me. The ones who tried to hurt me were all smiling with kind faces.”
As if to prove his point, Baek Ja-gang smiled.
His eyes curved like crescent moons.
Short crescent moons.
“Did they smile like this?”
“That makes me feel even more relieved.”
“Why?”
“Because when you smile, Alliance Leader, you become even more frightening.”
How could one possibly win against Geom Mugeuk in a battle of words?
‘How could such a son be born from that quiet man, Geom Woojin?’
After the greetings were over, Geom Mugeuk asked with a serious expression.
“Who did Hyeok Sa-gun point to?”
“He pointed to the one who follows me most loyally.”
The betrayal of Extreme Blade Division Lord Beon Cheon was a greater shock than hearing that Bi Sa-in had been bewitched by Geom Mugeuk.
“All the evidence pointing to you two as the masterminds has come out. So, what reason do I have to believe you?”
“Don’t believe me; believe your disciple.”
Geom Mugeuk relayed Bi Sa-in’s words to the Alliance Leader.
“He said he will live as you told him to. His eyes were so swollen, it seems he cried a lot over your words. With his face and those swollen eyes… I had to force myself not to tease him for being ugly.”
Baek Ja-gang stared intently into Geom Mugeuk’s eyes and said.
“I trust Sa-in. It’s you I cannot trust.”
“If I were plotting to take over the Unorthodox Alliance, of all the many schemes I could devise, I would not have chosen one that seeks to gain something by dividing a master and disciple.”
“And the reason is?”
While he could have listed many reasons, Geom Mugeuk gave the most emotional one.
“It’s just not cool enough.”
He had expected an odd answer, but because it wasn’t cool enough? One corner of Baek Ja-gang’s mouth curled up.
Geom Mugeuk’s words continued.
“I would have sent a challenge for a duel. In that field where you once called for me, I would have proposed a fight, like true martial artists. The winner takes this martial world! That’s my way. That’s why I don’t dream of things like the Unification of the Martial World. It’s a dream that can never be achieved with such a naive heart.”
After a brief pause, Baek Ja-gang asked.
“Isn’t that why it’s a dream that can be achieved?”
Geom Mugeuk saw it.
In that fleeting moment, a certain heat flared in Baek Ja-gang’s small pupils.
He thought similarly.
A man who also believed the winner of a single fight should take it all.
“I thought you viewed the martial world with a very cold and realistic eye, Alliance Leader, but you have such an emotional side as well.”
Baek Ja-gang said nothing.
It was a side of himself he had never really considered.
No one had ever dared to speak of the duality within him.
“If that’s the case, then you too, Alliance Leader, should wake up from your dream of unifying the martial world!”
A roar erupted from Baek Ja-gang’s lips.
“You brat!”
Baek Ja-gang’s shout echoed thunderously.
“How dare you say such things in my hall!”
Though he appeared angry on the surface, Baek Ja-gang was not angry at all.
When would he ever hear someone tell him to ‘wake up from his dream’? It had never happened before, and it would never happen again.
“I have misspoken! Please forgive me.”
What was more interesting was the composed look in Geom Mugeuk’s eyes even as he apologized.
Just as he wasn’t truly angry, Geom Mugeuk wasn’t truly apologizing.
He was reading his mind with perfect accuracy.
This was only their second meeting, yet he spoke as if they had known each other for a long time.
“The reason you find my words hard to believe is probably this. ‘Could someone really be trying to swallow the Unorthodox Alliance? Even pushing out the Grand Strategist?’ Right?”
Now came Geom Mugeuk’s reserved move.
“Did you know? Our Main Sect, the Martial Alliance, and even the Wind Heaven Sect of the Outlands have all experienced similar incidents.”
Baek Ja-gang, who had been maintaining his composure, shot up from the Grand Advisor's seat.
This time, he could not hide his surprise.
What was this now? The emotion was written all over his face.
“There was such a shadowy force. An organization that is simultaneously plotting conspiracies against the entire martial world.”
To the disbelieving Baek Ja-gang, Geom Mugeuk explained what the bigger problem was.
“Your problem, Alliance Leader, is not the existence of such a shadowy force.”
“Then what is the problem?”
“The bigger problem is that you have not received any reports about it. Why didn't Hyeok Sa-gun report to you, Alliance Leader?”
“!”
“There must have been spies who reported, so you should be able to confirm the details."
"If they were meticulous enough to eliminate all the reporting spies and subordinate strategists, then secretly ask for cooperation from our Main Sect and the Martial Alliance."
"They will surely confirm the facts officially.”
If this turned out to be true, it would be irrefutable proof that Hyeok Sa-gun was the mastermind behind this incident.
For a Grand Strategist not to report such a crucial matter was a grave crime in itself.
Baek Ja-gang immediately called for Guard Commander In Gung and gave him instructions via a telepathic message.
Upon receiving the order, In Gung vanished in an instant.
The Unorthodox Alliance Leader showed not a hint of hesitation in handling the matter.
Although he ordered an investigation based on Geom Mugeuk’s words, he did not yet fully trust him.
This matter would determine the fate of not only himself but the entire Unorthodox Alliance.
“Assuming what you say is true, if Hyeok Sa-gun is the head, then who is the body?”
“It is Instructor Hwang Seok-gyeong of the Unorthodox Alliance Hall.”
Baek Ja-gang knew who Hwang Seok-gyeong was.
To know the name of a mere instructor meant he was performing his duties that well.
“Then why didn’t you say so when we first met?”
Because it was a problem that had to be unraveled one step at a time.
“He is a very dangerous man. I believed it was right to inform you when the time was right, rather than rashly confronting him.”
“And the time is now right?”
“At least now, you are half-believing me.”
Their gazes locked in mid-air.
“This is why I can’t help but suspect you.”
“And this is why you must trust me. Do you think someone like me would have schemed so obviously?”
Although it was only their second meeting, Baek Ja-gang found himself agreeing with Geom Mugeuk.
He had a feeling that if it had been Geom Mugeuk, the plot would have been far more meticulous.
“Deputy Grand Strategist Hyeok will be arriving shortly.”
The time for the three-way confrontation had finally come.
The very fact that the two of them hadn't been waiting here from the start suggested that Baek Ja-gang’s trust in Bi Sa-in was not insignificant.
“Ah! I’d like to call my Grand Strategist too! I may seem smart because I talk well, but I’m actually more on this side.”
He tapped the Black Demon Sword at his waist.
Baek Ja-gang dismissed it as useless banter, but Geom Mugeuk was genuinely thinking of Go Wol.
He now had to win a war of words against the Deputy Grand Strategist of the Unorthodox Alliance.
A short while later, Hyeok Sa-gun entered.
Hyeok Sa-gun walked in calmly, paid his respects to Baek Ja-gang, and then greeted Geom Mugeuk first.
“I am Hyeok Sa-gun, the Deputy Grand Strategist.”
“I am Geom Mugeuk, from the Divine Sect.”
Hyeok Sa-gun observed Geom Mugeuk carefully, but it was impossible to discern anything from the appearance of Geom Mugeuk, who had reached the state of Return to Simplicity.
“I have heard many rumors about the Young Cult Master’s outstanding talent.”
“Rumors are often exaggerated.”
“I don’t think so. You have enough guts to visit our headquarters like this even after plotting such a thing.”
“What thing am I supposed to have plotted?”
“Did you not bewitch the Young Alliance Leader?”
Geom Mugeuk smiled and nodded his head.
“I admit it. He’s someone I really like.”
“Then are you admitting that the Divine Sect was involved in this incident?”
“What does it matter to me if I was or wasn’t? But if so, wouldn’t it be too unfair for the Young Alliance Leader who barely escaped death?”
“I know that the attack on the safehouse was also staged.”
“If the Young Alliance Leader and I had joined hands as you say, why would we do such a thing? We would have quietly aimed for the one sitting over there.”
“You tell me. Why did you do it?”
Baek Ja-gang sat in the middle like a judge, watching the two men’s verbal battle.
“There is clear evidence of your involvement.”
“I have evidence too.”
“What evidence?”
“The clear evidence you spoke of is my evidence.”
“What on earth does that mean?”
“Because if we had plotted it, such clear evidence would never have come to light.”
Hyeok Sa-gun scoffed.
“Do you think such ridiculous nonsense will work? You present your evidence too.”
“Fine, I will present my evidence.”
At those words, Hyeok Sa-gun grew inwardly tense.
Could he possibly have evidence?
After building up the tension, Geom Mugeuk suddenly said.
“I saw it.”
“What?”
“I saw you plotting it.”
Hyeok Sa-gun was greatly surprised inwardly, as he had not expected Geom Mugeuk to point at him.
“Are you trying to frame me for the crime now?”
“I’m not framing you; I’m saying I saw you plotting this incident.”
Hyeok Sa-gun smiled, looked at Baek Ja-gang, and said.
“As you can see, the Young Cult Master is spouting nonsense.”
Just then, Geom Mugeuk caught him off guard.
“Why don’t you ask? Shouldn’t a normal person ask when and what I saw you plotting? Wouldn’t an innocent person ask that first? Or did you skip it because you already know what it is?”
Hyeok Sa-gun momentarily faltered.
He should have said what Geom Mugeuk suggested, but his mind had been hasty.
“That’s because it’s not even worth mentioning.”
Baek Ja-gang, who was watching, spoke softly.
“Your testimony cannot be considered evidence.”
As Baek Ja-gang sided with him, Hyeok Sa-gun smiled faintly with a triumphant feeling.
As long as there was clear evidence, Baek Ja-gang would have no choice but to believe him in the end.
The more this young master of the Demon Sect displayed his brilliant eloquence, the more suspicious he would become.
“You should leave now. The only reason you are being kept alive is because you are the Young Cult Master. If you go any further, not even the title of Young Cult Master of the Divine Sect will be able to protect you.”
“Fine, I will go.”
Just when he wondered why he was giving up so easily.
“Even if I’m leaving, I’ll meet the person who is on their way before I go.”
“Who is coming?”
Then, astonishing words flowed from Geom Mugeuk’s mouth.
“The Demon Doctor and the Poison King of our Main Sect are on their way.”
Hyeok Sa-gun flinched.
The Demon Doctor was known to be more skilled in medicine than the Divine Doctors of the Unorthodox Alliance or the Martial Alliance.
And the Poison King on top of that?
“Your Grand Strategist may have retired due to old age, but I believe he fell ill due to poison. The Poison King and the Demon Doctor will confirm it.”
“!”
In this moment, even Hyeok Sa-gun was shaken.
He had been struck in a completely unexpected area.
“How can we trust them when those two are on your side?”
“They are, of course, people of our Main Sect. However, they are individuals who value their own honor above all else.”
“If they received an order from their Cult Master, they could lie.”
“That is for the Alliance Leader to judge.”
Both men’s gazes turned to Baek Ja-gang.
The person most surprised in this room was not Hyeok Sa-gun, but Baek Ja-gang.
When Geom Mugeuk said the Poison King and the Demon Doctor were coming, a chill ran down his spine.
He had detected Geom Mugeuk’s lie.
It turned out that his senses worked on Geom Mugeuk.
He could guess the reason for the lie.
It was likely to corner Hyeok Sa-gun with the names of the Demon Doctor and the Poison King.
What shocked Baek Ja-gang was the fact that this was his first lie.
If that was the case, then—
—I truly think of the Young Alliance Leader as a friend.
I hope that friend can safely inherit the position of Alliance Leader.
—I will wake my father up too.
I will ask him to dream a different dream.
—Our martial world will not fight or hate each other.
We will play on the beach and flirt with young ladies.
—There is a regular spot in front of our Main Sect.
If I have the chance next time, I would very much like to bring you there, Alliance Leader.
The words Geom Mugeuk had spoken flashed through his mind.
‘You mean to say... everything he’s said until now was the truth?’