It was the first time Geom Mugeuk had seen it.
The sight of Baek Ja-gang’s eyes widening.
Of course, even when wide, they were still small.
‘Is that your best, Alliance Leader!’
Bi Sa-in, the Unorthodox Alliance Leader... both were men whose distinct personalities felt magnificent.
The more he looked at those small eyes, the more charming they seemed.
“You said that favorite tavern of yours is in front of the Divine Sect?”
“It’s in the Demon Family Village.”
“And you want to take me there?”
“Yes.”
After staring at Geom Mugeuk for a moment, Baek Ja-gang looked at Bi Sa-in.
Before the Alliance Leader could say a word, Bi Sa-in sighed and spoke.
“He must be serious. He's always been this mad.”
Even so, Bi Sa-in had used the word ‘man’ instead of ‘bastard’.
Baek Ja-gang asked again.
“Were you planning to ask this from the very beginning?”
“I was.”
“Was this your goal? To lure me to the Divine Sect and kill me?”
Geom Mugeuk smiled.
In Baek Ja-gang’s mind, he was probably already picturing himself surrounded by the Eight Demon Sovereigns at the tavern in front of the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect, facing a joint attack.
“No. I have absolutely no intention of harming you, Alliance Leader.”
Baek Ja-gang didn't feel a shiver down his spine.
Right, if that had been the goal, the Poison King wouldn't have detoxified the Yellow Springs Poison earlier.
“Why do you want to take me to the Divine Sect?”
“Did I not tell you? I wish to treat you to a drink there.”
“Can’t we just buy drinks here?”
“The owner there is an excellent cook. The tavern has a great atmosphere, too.”
“Speak honestly. What is it for?”
After a brief pause, Geom Mugeuk answered.
“Because I wish for you to meet my father.”
No matter how unofficial, if the Unorthodox Alliance Leader came all the way to the Main Sect, the Heavenly Demon couldn't just stand by, could he? His father would surely come to the tavern to meet the Unorthodox Alliance Leader.
“With your father? Why?”
“There are two reasons. First, because of this conspiracy. They targeted the Young Alliance Leader of the Unorthodox Alliance and the grandson of the Martial Alliance Leader, as well as our sect's Soul-Devouring Demon Sovereign. With such people operating in the shadows, I believe it would be meaningful for the two of you to meet at least once.”
Baek Ja-gang nodded.
It was a valid point, but not necessarily a reason to meet in person.
They could exchange letters or have their strategists share information.
He had a feeling the real reason was the second one.
“And the second reason?”
Then came Geom Mugeuk’s true intention.
“I would like for you two to meet and become friends. I have a feeling you would get along.”
He hoped that by doing so, his father and the Unorthodox Alliance Leader would distance themselves from their dream of unifying the Martial World.
Countless lives depended on a single toast between those two men.
Baek Ja-gang looked at Geom Mugeuk with an expression of utter incomprehension.
“And that reason is better than a martial treasure or a heavenly elixir?”
“Yes, it is much better. Of course, I am well aware that this is not a decision to be made lightly.”
He had brought it up casually, but it was anything but a light matter.
It involved the Unorthodox Alliance Leader traveling to the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect.
Just thinking about the escort, would he take only a few masters? Or would he bring a large-scale force?
“Have you gotten your father’s permission to say this?”
“To be honest, I haven't yet. But this isn't something that requires permission. It is a personal matter of me inviting the Alliance Leader for a drink.”
If this were handled officially, his father would never permit it.
He disliked the Unorthodox Alliance and its leader.
Then again, it wasn't like he was fond of the Martial Alliance Leader either.
In any case, even without permission, he could make the meeting happen.
Baek Ja-gang began to walk again.
After walking for a while, lost in thought, he stopped.
“Fine. Let’s say I agree to go. Will the Martial Alliance simply stand by? They will think the Divine Sect and our Alliance are colluding on something.”
“I will take responsibility and ensure there are no misunderstandings on that front.”
“How could you possibly do that?”
“I will have to go and speak to the Martial Alliance Leader directly. ‘This is what happened, and this is why I arranged the meeting. Please do not misunderstand,’ I will say.”
Baek Ja-gang could tell that Geom Mugeuk was speaking sincerely.
‘Perhaps this fellow...’
He had a thought that perhaps he could actually calm the Martial Alliance.
He found himself thinking such things already.
He who had been so sure that being swayed by a young man was preposterous.
Just then, the carriage for the Alliance Leader arrived.
“I will see you at the Alliance headquarters later.”
As if he had things to contemplate alone, Baek Ja-gang left first with his guards, without taking the two of them.
The warriors of the Extreme Blade Corps followed, escorting the children, and Gwae-ak also departed, promising to see them next time.
Now, only Geom Mugeuk, Bi Sa-in, and the Thirteen Wolves of the Unorthodox Path remained.
The two men began to walk slowly, and the Thirteen Wolves spread out at a distance, escorting them as they walked.
To Bi Sa-in, the recent battle with the Martial King felt like a dream.
But Geom Mugeuk, as if telling him not to even think about past evils, threw a new problem his way.
Having known Geom Mugeuk for more than a day, it wasn’t strange at all that he would make such a request of the Alliance Leader.
There was just one concern.
“What will you do if the two of them meet and a fight breaks out? No one would be able to stop them. Are you not afraid?”
Instead of an answer, Geom Mugeuk asked a question.
“Do you trust your master?”
“Of course, I do.”
“I trust my father, too. So, there won't be a fight.”
He was telling him to trust the elders.
And were they just any ordinary elders?
Even if a fight did break out, it would be fine.
In fact, Geom Mugeuk even hoped the two would have a good spar.
After all, one could not ignore the camaraderie that develops between martial artists through fighting.
As Bi Sa-in silently nodded, Geom Mugeuk asked with a suspicious gaze.
“Why are you so readily accepting everything I say? It’s making me anxious.”
“It's an acceptance period.”
“Is there such a period?”
“There is. It's something I learned from you. That ignorance is not what should wound one’s pride, but rather the refusal to try and change.”
Just seeing him admit it so readily showed how much Bi Sa-in had changed.
Perhaps because he was still young, his desire for learning and change was stronger than anyone Geom Mugeuk had ever met.
As if suddenly remembering, Bi Sa-in asked again.
“By the way, what was the favor you wanted to ask of me? Is it to come to the tavern with you as well?”
“No. If the Alliance Leader agrees, you will follow anyway. Why would I need to ask you that?”
Geom Mugeuk’s request was as unexpected as the one he had made to Baek Ja-gang.
“Allow me to take one thing of my choosing from the Unorthodox Alliance treasury.”
Bi Sa-in’s eyes widened, and he stopped walking.
“Why are you so surprised? For saving a life, I can surely ask for that much, can’t I?”
“Of course, you can.”
“Are you perhaps disappointed? Thinking, ‘Why is he being so greedy? He should have asked for something to deepen our friendship!’”
“That's not it.”
“Rather than holding a lingering attachment, I’d rather be an Incarnation of Greed for a moment now.”
Bi Sa-in walked in silence for a moment.
Then he stopped and revealed his inner thoughts.
“Rather than disappointed, I was honestly surprised. I thought you would ask for a different favor. If you were me, how would you react in this situation?”
Geom Mugeuk gave a strange smile, thought for a moment, and then gave his answer.
“If it were me, I would say this. ‘Fine, I will give you a gift from the secret vault. Is there anything else you want besides that?’”
He would offer to grant more wishes?
“What if I answered that I wanted more treasure?”
“‘Fine, I will give you that too. Is there anything else you want?’ I would keep asking like that. I would keep asking until I got the answer I wanted. If he has any conscience, he will say it. I would give him ten treasures until then.”
“Is there a reason you must do that?”
“We're friends, aren't we?”
Bi Sa-in’s eyes narrowed as he asked suspiciously.
“Are you perhaps aiming for ten treasures from our Alliance’s vault right now?”
“You noticed?”
Bi Sa-in, who had been making a dumbfounded face, looked a little more at ease.
“Didn't I tell you? I am not such a great man. I am greedy and always look out for myself first. That is the kind of man I am, so do not hold any preconceptions or illusions about me.”
Bi Sa-in could feel it.
It was as if Geom Mugeuk was saying this to him right now.
Shatter the illusions between people, my friend.
That’s how we last.
In truth, though Bi Sa-in couldn't know, Geom Mugeuk had another reason for wanting to enter the treasury.
It was because of the Secret Vessel.
He had a glimmer of hope that there might be some artifact in the Unorthodox Alliance treasury that the Secret Vessel could absorb.
If not for this opportunity, he would never have a chance to enter the Unorthodox Alliance’s treasury.
“You are a person one can never quite figure out.”
“After a little more time, you will realize. That I am a simpler man to understand than you are. When that time comes, don't you dare ignore me just because the mystery is gone.”
A gust of wind blew by, not cold, but warm.
“The weather has warmed up a lot. At this rate, spring will be here before we know it.”
Saying so, Geom Mugeuk looked up at the sky.
Bi Sa-in followed his gaze.
No matter how often he tried to look, he kept forgetting to look up.
“What kind of place is your favorite tavern?”
“It’s a place with good wine, a good owner, and good patrons. You will like it too if you go. You might even end up drinking there every day.”
“Isn’t it too far to go for a drink?”
“Then you should practice your lightness arts diligently.”
The two of them, along with the Thirteen Wolves of the Unorthodox Path, stood there for a long while, looking up at the sky.
*
After returning to the Unorthodox Alliance headquarters, the two went straight to the Alliance Leader’s Hall.
“I will go get the Alliance Leader’s permission, so wait here.”
Even the Young Alliance Leader couldn’t just enter the treasury as he pleased.
“You must get his permission, even if you have to force it.”
Bi Sa-in replied as he walked toward the Alliance Leader’s Hall.
“In times like this, you're supposed to say, ‘Don’t overdo it.’”
“I must go inside! I must have it! Please! Use all of your friendship for this!”
Bi Sa-in made a gesture of covering his ears as he walked away.
After sending Bi Sa-in off, Geom Mugeuk looked at the iron wolf statue erected in the corridor.
It looked exactly like the Blue Wolf that had appeared when Baek Ja-gang unleashed his martial arts.
As he was looking at it, someone released their stealth and appeared.
“You’re looking at the wolf again.”
It was In Gung, the guard commander of the Unorthodox Alliance.
“I find myself strangely drawn to this fellow.”
He was so drawn to it that he wanted to say the iron wolf statue was what he desired.
Of course, he couldn't do that.
“Thank you for your help this time.”
In Gung expressed his gratitude to Geom Mugeuk.
The reason he revealed himself was to greet him.
“Don't mention it. You and your men went through a lot, Commander.”
Though it wasn't outwardly visible, they were the ones who had fought the hardest battle this time.
They had been waiting in stealth, ready to throw their bodies on the line if the Alliance Leader was in danger.
The mental toll was immense.
That was why In Gung and his guards felt the most gratitude towards Geom Mugeuk and the Poison King.
They existed solely to protect the Alliance Leader.
Just then, at the far end of the corridor, the doors to the Alliance Leader's Hall opened, and Bi Sa-in walked out.
He came out sooner than expected.
It was either a swift approval or an immediate refusal.
“Well then, I shall be on my way.”
In Gung vanished without a sound.
Bi Sa-in walked up to Geom Mugeuk and said confidently.
“Let’s go. I got permission.”
“I knew it!”
“Say one more word, and I’ll cancel it.”
Geom Mugeuk covered his mouth with his hand and smiled.
The two of them left the Alliance Leader’s Hall.
As they walked side by side through the inner courtyard, Geom Mugeuk asked cautiously.
“Did you get scolded?”
“I did.”
“Give me a blindfold. I’ll go with my eyes tightly shut.”
“What if I push you into a trap?”
“You would?”
“If I push you, it will be off a cliff. A cliff ten thousand zhang high.”
The two arrived at the treasury.
On the way, they passed through several heavily guarded checkpoints.
Only after passing by hidden masters, perilous mechanisms, and mystical formations could they finally reach the treasury.
His eyes were not covered on the way.
Bi Sa-in knew well that for a master of Geom Mugeuk’s level, a blindfold was meaningless.
“I don’t mean to boast, but even I have never been able to choose whatever I wanted from here.”
“I am truly grateful. I know I got this chance because you value me. I will probably never forget this gratitude for the rest of my life. I won't be able to sleep for a while. When I have children someday, I will be sure to tell them. ‘You know your father’s friend, Alliance Leader Bi? When he was young…’”
“Enough! I’m sorry. I was showing off a bit.”
With a look that said, ‘I should have just kept my mouth shut,’ Bi Sa-in entered first.
The place was filled with all sorts of treasures.
Peerless secret manuals that would cause a bloodbath if they ever left this place, treasured swords whose names were known to all, and protective armor that rivaled immortality.
It was truly filled with dazzling treasures.
The two walked together, slowly admiring the displayed items.
“When you become the Alliance Leader, all of this will be yours, right? I'd better get on your good side from now on.”
“Anyone hearing you would think the Divine Sect has no treasury. You have an even bigger one. If I asked to trade, would you or would you not?”
“... I would not.”
“And you’re still complaining!”
As he looked around, Geom Mugeuk felt a hot, intense heat.
‘This place is also preparing for war.’
It was the same as the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect.
Weapons, protective armor, and elixirs to be distributed to the martial artists when war broke out were all neatly organized.
The Unorthodox Alliance was clearly preparing for that day.
“The Alliance Leader must have been truly grateful to you. He is not someone who would ever let an outsider into this place.”
“It must be because of you.”
“Why because of me?”
“Because he wanted to help you keep the promise you made to me.”
Could that really be the reason?
Bi Sa-in couldn't be sure.
He still didn't quite understand the Alliance Leader's heart.
But he at least hoped that was the reason.
Geom Mugeuk was the only person who understood such feelings.
He no longer doubted it.
He knew that such words were a form of his consideration.
Geom Mugeuk passed by all the secret manuals, treasured swords, protective armor, and elixirs.
Geom Mugeuk paid no attention to his own desires.
He focused on the desires of the Secret Vessel.
‘Secret Vessel, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, so choose quickly.’
But even as he passed by all sorts of precious artifacts, the Secret Vessel did not react.
“Is there any other place?”
“There is a section where less valuable items are stored.”
“Let's see that place too.”
“Are you looking for something in particular?”
“I'm looking for something that strongly pulls at my heart. It's not here.”
So they looked around the other section as well.
It was clear that the items here were less valuable than in the first treasury.
“If it were me, I would have only shown you this place.”
Joking like that, Geom Mugeuk calmly looked around the second section.
This area had more common gems and ornaments than weapons, armor, or elixirs.
The further they went into the corner, the relatively less valuable items were stored.
The two of them walked almost to the very end.
Just as he was about to give up, thinking there was nothing in the Unorthodox Alliance.
Woooong!
The Secret Vessel reacted.