Baek Ja-gang could not believe it.
‘Does the current Young Cult Master of the Demon Sect truly think like that?’
That he genuinely considered Bi Sa-in a friend, genuinely did not want to fight, and genuinely wanted to buy him a drink?
The same Geom Mugeuk rumored to be the greatest successor among all past Heavenly Demons? The same Young Cult Master who had captivated both the Young Alliance Leader and the First Wolf?
Hyeok Sa-gun was the first to read the disbelief in Baek Ja-gang’s eyes.
‘This is it!’
He misinterpreted this disbelief.
How could he possibly trust the words of the Demon Doctor and the Poison King?
‘Refuse him! Hurry and say no!’
Hyeok Sa-gun was nervous.
If not just one, but both the Poison King and the Demon Doctor came to inspect him, the fact that he used poison would surely be revealed.
‘At that point, I won’t be able to do anything. For your own sake, refuse him.’
Meanwhile, Geom Mugeuk also read the disbelief in Baek Ja-gang’s eyes.
Of course, Geom Mugeuk did not know about Baek Ja-gang’s ability to detect lies.
That was why he tried his best to persuade him.
—It was a lie meant to corner them.
Just this once, please trust me.
Please pretend to accept the Demon Doctor and the Poison King.
Even without this telepathic confession, Baek Ja-gang now trusted Geom Mugeuk.
He knew for certain who was telling the truth.
Finally, Baek Ja-gang opened his mouth.
Of course, with Hyeok Sa-gun present, he did not grant permission so easily.
“What will you do if the two of them come to check and it turns out he wasn't poisoned?”
Geom Mugeuk could tell that Baek Ja-gang intended to grant his request.
They weren't going to come anyway, and what was needed now was to propose a condition that Hyeok Sa-gun would also find acceptable.
“I will reduce our sect’s influence in the Jiangxi province by half.”
The Jiangxi province was a crucial strategic point for the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect in its dealings with the Unorthodox Alliance.
“Can you give that to me in an official document?”
“I can.”
Baek Ja-gang once again felt a shiver run down his spine.
His senses were working all too well.
As if to prove it, Geom Mugeuk’s telepathic message followed.
—I can't do this one.
If I did this without my father’s permission, I’d be kicked out that very day! Unless, of course, you’d be willing to adopt me.
Baek Ja-gang struggled to keep the corners of his mouth from turning up.
What an incorrigible fellow.
To make such a jest at a critical moment like this.
“Very well. We will have them check when they arrive.”
At the unexpected decision, Hyeok Sa-gun showed his discontent.
“Surely, you don't believe the Young Cult Master’s words?”
Baek Ja-gang stared at Hyeok Sa-gun with his small eyes.
In that moment, Hyeok Sa-gun realized he had spoken rashly.
After all, if his own words were true, there was no reason to be agitated.
If Geom Mugeuk had offered such a condition, as a Grand Strategist, he should have welcomed the decision.
Having the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect’s influence in the Jiangxi province halved would be a great benefit to the Unorthodox Alliance.
“I will follow the Alliance Leader’s will.”
Baek Ja-gang asked Geom Mugeuk, “When will they arrive?”
“It will take about ten days.”
He had deliberately set the longest possible time.
It was in the hopes that Bi Sa-in could recover as much as possible from his injuries and join this fight.
This wasn't his fight, but Bi Sa-in’s, and also Baek Ja-gang’s and the Unorthodox Alliance's.
“Alright, you will stay at the Alliance until then.”
Geom Mugeuk looked at Hyeok Sa-gun with a suspicious gaze.
“In the meantime, the Deputy Grand Strategist might kill the Grand Strategist to destroy the evidence.”
Geom Mugeuk had hit the nail right on the head.
Hyeok Sa-gun was, in fact, contemplating how to eliminate the Grand Strategist without arousing suspicion.
“What nonsense are you spouting? The Grand Strategist is like a master to me.”
“Exactly. So why would you do such a thing to someone who is like a master to you?”
Hyeok Sa-gun glared at Geom Mugeuk with cold eyes.
He had easily handled even those clever strategists, but Geom Mugeuk, who was much younger than them, was strangely awkward and difficult to deal with.
Was it because he was overwhelmed by the title of the Demon Sect’s Young Cult Master?
No. There was something about this man that made one’s heart feel stifled.
He was the kind of person that, even if you met him as a tavern boy, you would find it difficult to even place an order.
Baek Ja-gang ended the tense battle of wills between them.
“You will stay near the Alliance until the Poison King and the Demon Doctor arrive.”
“Thank you, Alliance Leader.”
Hyeok Sa-gun felt that the tide had turned.
A new phase had begun.
“That will be all for today. Grand Strategist Hyeok, stay for a moment.”
Sending Geom Mugeuk away and keeping Hyeok Sa-gun? It seemed as though he trusted Hyeok Sa-gun, but it was the opposite.
Now was the time to reassure and soothe the enemy.
“Thanks to that young punk’s bravado, we stand to gain a great deal.”
His term for Geom Mugeuk had changed from Young Cult Master to ‘punk.’ In other words, he was showing that he trusted him, not Geom Mugeuk.
‘If that were the case, you shouldn’t have accepted the Poison King and the Demon Doctor.’
Hyeok Sa-gun expressed his frustration as concern for the Unorthodox Alliance.
“I apologize for saying this, but you should not have accepted the Poison King and the Demon Doctor. The Poison King, in particular, is the most dangerous man in this martial world. We do not know what he might do if he enters our headquarters. Above all, I am worried for your safety, Alliance Leader.”
He put his concern for the Alliance Leader at the forefront, trying to change his mind even now.
But it was a futile effort, as he had no way of knowing what was truly in Baek Ja-gang’s heart.
“When they come, watch them closely.”
If they were truly coming, Baek Ja-gang would have stopped them as well.
Letting the Poison King into the Unorthodox Alliance? An absolutely impossible thing.
From that day on, he wouldn't even be able to drink a cup of water in peace.
This was a point Hyeok Sa-gun could also consider.
That was why Baek Ja-gang made the first move.
“But why is the Young Cult Master being so stubborn?”
A sharp gaze, probing Hyeok Sa-gun, flew toward him.
Are you sure you didn't orchestrate this?
He had always been such a suspicious person.
If he were to trust Hyeok Sa-gun without question, it would actually create a sense of unease.
It was suspicion to prevent suspicion.
“I believe he is trying to buy time.”
“For what?”
“I will find out.”
No matter how smart Hyeok Sa-gun was, he was no match for the seasoned Baek Ja-gang.
Baek Ja-gang kept him off-balance so he couldn't entertain other thoughts.
This time, he emitted a cold killing intent, showing his anger toward Geom Mugeuk.
“Summoning the Demon Doctor and the Poison King to verify things is truly an arrogant ploy. Is it not a disregard for the integrity of our Alliance?”
“You are right. Moreover, even if he promises the matter of the Jiangxi province in writing, he may not keep that promise.”
Trying to change his mind somehow, Hyeok Sa-gun pointed out another potential problem, but it was not easy.
“The Young Cult Master is a man full of pride. He’ll keep his promise, if only for his pride’s sake. That Geom Woojin fellow must be fuming.”
Hyeok Sa-gun barely suppressed a sigh.
If the Poison King and the Demon Doctor came and revealed that the Grand Strategist’s illness was due to poisoning, it would be the end for him.
After all, he was the one who had received the poison from Hwang Seok-gyeong and administered it.
Until now, there had been various incidents that had hindered his rise.
People blocking his path, trying to trip him up.
Each time, he had overcome them with Hwang Seok-gyeong's help.
But this time was different.
The scale of the obstacle was catastrophic.
It was greater than all the bad things that had happened so far combined.
“Then I will take my leave.”
After bowing politely and turning to leave, Baek Ja-gang spoke from behind him.
“Investigate thoroughly. We can't let that young punk make a fool of us, can we?”
“Do not worry, Alliance Leader.”
Hyeok Sa-gun bowed his head with a dependable expression before turning away again.
‘Because of that young punk, the Alliance Leader is now about to die.’
*
That night, Hyeok Sa-gun appeared at the same place where he had previously met the Martial King.
In the distance, across the field, Hwang Seok-gyeong’s figure was visible.
Today, too, he had arrived first and was waiting.
Hwang Seok-gyeong was never late.
Seeing him, he felt the stifling feeling he had experienced all day while looking at Geom Mugeuk begin to dissipate.
Now he understood.
That stifling feeling had been a signal from his instincts that he needed someone’s help.
That only someone of Hwang Seok-gyeong’s caliber could place the desired order with that tavern boy.
Hyeok Sa-gun cut to the chase without any preamble.
“The Young Cult Master has summoned the Demon Doctor and the Poison King.”
The Martial King’s expression hardened.
He immediately understood why they were coming.
“It’s because of the Grand Strategist.”
“That's right. That Young Cult Master is no ordinary person.”
The Martial King first asked for Hyeok Sa-gun’s opinion.
Even when he had already made a decision, he always asked his strategist first.
“What do you think we should do?”
On his way here, Hyeok Sa-gun had already prepared himself.
“Is there any way to prevent the Poison King and the Demon Doctor from coming?”
The Martial King pondered for a moment, then shook his head.
Not only was it impossible to recklessly kill a Demon Sovereign and the Demon Doctor, but even if the situation demanded it, it would not be easy if the opponent was the Poison King.
If he couldn't kill him in a single blow, their side would be annihilated.
That was the Poison King.
“Then there is only one way. Although the timing is much earlier than planned, haven't we made many preparations for this moment?”
This decision would change his and Hwang Seok-gyeong’s fate.
It would change the fate of their subordinates, the fate of the Unorthodox Alliance, and furthermore, the Unorthodox Faction, and the entire martial world.
Hyeok Sa-gun asked with a determined gaze.
“Are you ready?”
Compared to the grim Hyeok Sa-gun, the Martial King appeared at ease.
He had lived his life thinking of it as a battle.
He had lived every moment with the mindset that he would die if he lost, so he could answer at any time.
Under the bright moonlight, the Martial King answered as if he had been waiting.
“I am always ready.”
*
At the same time, another meeting was taking place elsewhere.
Geom Mugeuk stood in the same field where he had met the Unorthodox Alliance Leader earlier.
Baek Ja-gang entered the field.
“I knew you would come here. First, I must apologize.”
“It’s fine that you lied to me.”
“No, that’s not it. Because of my lie, you are now in danger, Alliance Leader. They will think that if the Demon Doctor and the Poison King investigate together, the poisoning will surely be discovered. In the end, they will try to wrap this up before the two arrive.”
“How do you mean, wrap it up?”
“They won’t just run away.”
Words that should not have come from Geom Mugeuk’s mouth flowed out.
“They will try to kill you, Alliance Leader.”
Even at the words that he would be killed, Baek Ja-gang showed no particular reaction.
“And they will pin the crime on me. They will never miss that opportunity.”
Geom Mugeuk continued speaking in a calm tone.
“Originally, this would have happened a few years, or perhaps a decade, from now. But because your disciple and I became friends, the timing has changed.”
Normally, he should have said, ‘because I appeared.’ But Geom Mugeuk said it was because he and Bi Sa-in became friends.
He tried to show off their friendship whenever he had the chance.
His father alone was enough of a dreamer for the unification of the martial world.
Just trying to stop his father was a difficult enough task.
“You will stay out of this fight.”
Of course, since it was a matter of the Unorthodox Alliance, it would be right to follow the Alliance Leader’s will.
But knowing that the opponent was the Martial King, he could not do so.
He believed that in a one-on-one fight right now, the Unorthodox Alliance Leader would defeat the Martial King.
The problem was that the Martial King would use any means necessary to win.
The Martial King was a man obsessed with victory, not someone who pursued fair play.
“Are you worried about me?”
“If you get hurt, I won't be able to face your father.”
“That won’t happen. I’ve learned my lightness arts properly, so I’m confident in my ability to run away.”
Baek Ja-gang believed there must be a reason why Geom Mugeuk wanted to involve himself in this fight.
“Why do you want to be a part of this fight?”
Geom Mugeuk answered honestly.
“It’s because of the Young Alliance Leader. He would want to be in this fight more than I do. Since his injuries haven’t fully healed, I will protect him.”
Baek Ja-gang felt no shivers.
He suddenly thought about it.
A martial world where the Demon Cult Master and the Unorthodox Alliance Leader were friends.
But not a single scene came to mind.
For him, such a martial world did not exist.
Then, he remembered what Geom Mugeuk had said.
—Whether it’s my Demonic Path or the Young Alliance Leader’s Unorthodox Path, I believe that in our era, there will surely be new ideals.
“I’ll say it again, that friendship will not come to be.”
At that, Geom Mugeuk said something startling.
“I’m someone who also believes in the friendship between you, Alliance Leader, and my father.”
“What? With your father?”
He was flustered at times like these.
The look in those eyes, speaking of friendship between the Heavenly Demon and the Unorthodox Alliance Leader, was not that of a naive, shaggy-haired boy dreaming simple dreams.
That clever, fox-like fellow was speaking with sincerity.
“You haven’t had a proper conversation with my father, have you? From my perspective, I think you two would get along well.”
“While aiming to kill each other, you mean?”
The more Baek Ja-gang met Geom Mugeuk, the more he felt his liking for him deepen.
He felt an unknown sense of kinship, and he was curious about what this fellow would say.
And above all, it was fun to be with him.
Even now, wasn't he talking about the friendship between the Heavenly Demon and the Unorthodox Alliance Leader, something no martial artist in the world had ever considered?
‘If this fellow’s father is like him?’
Perhaps? he thought, before quickly shaking his head.
The memory of Geom Woojin’s condescending gaze made him angry just thinking about it.
Friendship? What nonsense!
“Please let me fight alongside the Young Alliance Leader!”
“Fine.”
For the usual Baek Ja-gang, this would have been an absolutely impossible permission to grant.
It was not in his nature to involve someone else in the affairs of the Unorthodox Alliance.
But this time, he decided to acknowledge their friendship.
“Enjoy this friendship that will soon be broken while you can.”
“Thank you.”
Baek Ja-gang’s path to becoming the Unorthodox Alliance Leader had not been smooth.
He was a man who did not even have a family, to prevent his heart from weakening.
Back then, he believed that was the right thing to do, but now that he was older, he sometimes found himself thinking of a different life.
Especially now, seeing Geom Woojin’s son made him feel that way even more.
‘Sa-in, you’re going to have a tough time ahead.’
He couldn't lose to Geom Woojin’s son, could he?
Geom Mugeuk and Baek Ja-gang looked up together at the same moon that the Martial King and Hyeok Sa-gun were looking at.
“After this is over, may I ask a favor of you?”
“What favor?”
“I will tell you after it’s over.”
In Baek Ja-gang’s entire life, who had ever dared to state their terms later? That was why this moment was still fresh, and why he could nod his head with curiosity instead of annoyance.
“They will pour out all the forces they have gathered so far.”
“To face me…”
Baek Ja-gang’s small eyes filled with the bright moonlight as he spoke.
“They should have gathered a lot.”