“They say you have to stand in the right line for your life to be easy.”
Judging by her looks, one would think she wouldn’t deign to speak a single word to others, yet the woman spoke to them comfortably.
Lee Ahn stared at the woman in silence.
Looking at her this close, one would expect to find a flaw, but this woman was perfect.
Even her clothes were well-chosen, and her makeup was done so well.
It was to the point that Lee Ahn truly wanted to learn how to dress and apply makeup from her.
Lee Ahn wondered, could this meeting truly be a coincidence?
She was a woman who gave off too special an impression to be just someone she met while standing in line.
Lee Ahn looked around at the other lines.
The one they were in was still the shortest.
“We don’t know if we’ve chosen the right line yet.”
Lee Ahn continued, looking toward the front of the line she was in.
“Who knows what kind of trouble will happen at the front of the line? If you’re unlucky, it could be cut off right before your turn.”
At Lee Ahn’s words, the woman gave a mysterious smile.
The two women’s gazes intertwined in mid-air.
As if two peerless masters were facing each other, their contrasting beauties clashed with taut tension.
Everyone around them held their breath and watched.
Geom Mugeuk was watching them from the closest position.
The woman’s gaze turned to Geom Mugeuk.
Her captivating eyes were different when looking at a woman versus a man; she was a woman who knew instinctively how to entice men.
Lee Ahn poked Geom Mugeuk in the side.
“What are you staring at so blankly?”
Only then did Geom Mugeuk smile awkwardly and say.
“You are so beautiful. Forgive my rudeness.”
Not displeased by his words, the woman smiled, and Lee Ahn repeated the exact words Geom Mugeuk had said in the carriage.
“It’s frustrating, but I have no choice but to admit it.”
While saying that, she sent a telepathic message to Geom Mugeuk.
—Please kill her, this woman.
It was an extension of the joke she had made about asking him to kill any woman prettier than her.
It meant that this woman was more beautiful than herself.
—Isn’t it a bit much to kill her?
—You should be looking at me when you say that, not her.
—Someone was staring at the Laughing Demon just like this in the carriage.
—Now you understand, don’t you? How I felt then.
Though she said that, she thought her staring at the Evil Heart Laughing Demon was different from Geom Mugeuk’s case.
The Evil Heart Laughing Demon was someone she knew, and someone who definitely had someone he liked.
But this woman? She was a woman he didn’t even know.
‘Did he really like her?’
It was the first time Lee Ahn had seen Geom Mugeuk stare so intently at another woman.
So, she was inwardly surprised.
‘Well. The Young Master is a man too.’
How could he not stare when she was so beautiful? Even she, a woman, was full of admiration.
Yes, it was perfectly understandable.
If Lee Ahn felt it, how could the woman herself not have?
At Geom Mugeuk’s gaze, a hint of confidence crossed the woman’s eyes.
Lee Ahn changed the subject and asked.
“Did you come here alone?”
“Yes.”
She was clearly a woman who had learned martial arts, but Lee Ahn couldn't accurately discern her skill.
She didn't know if it was because her skills were outstanding or if the martial arts she learned were special, but her opponent was very adept at concealing herself.
“For someone so beautiful to be traveling alone, it’s surprising.”
“I’m quite fearless.”
The woman introduced herself first.
“My name is Cha Iran.”
“I’m Lee Ahn.”
Geom Mugeuk introduced himself last.
“I am Geom Yeon.”
Cha Iran smiled at Geom Mugeuk with her eyes and said.
“That’s a very nice name.”
“Thank you. Your name is pretty too, Miss Cha.”
Cha Iran asked Geom Mugeuk.
“What is the relationship between you two?”
At Cha Iran's question, Geom Mugeuk answered.
“She is the one I serve.”
Cha Iran, who had been staring at Geom Mugeuk as if to pierce him, tilted her head.
“You don’t seem like someone who would serve another.”
Saying that, she glanced at Lee Ahn.
“Where can one find such a fine martial artist?”
Look at this woman.
The way she looked at Geom Mugeuk, and the words she was saying now, she was openly seducing him.
Lee Ahn glanced at Geom Mugeuk.
Don’t look so happy about it!
Lee Ahn told her bluntly.
“You won’t be able to.”
“We’ll see about that.”
Cha Iran looked at Geom Mugeuk and added.
“There’s no guarantee that one must protect only one person for a lifetime, is there?”
Protect me, not this woman.
After saying everything she wanted to, she finally smiled brightly at Lee Ahn.
“I’m joking.”
Lee Ahn did not get angry.
This was a battle she would lose if she got angry.
“You’re right. If a new person he wants to protect appears, I should let him go at any time.”
Now that someone was trying to seriously come between the Young Cult Master and herself, she was able to understand how she thought of Geom Mugeuk.
Until now, she had thought this way.
If the Young Cult Master finds someone he likes, I will sincerely bless them and be as happy as if it were my own matter.
Of course, I should.
That was her mindset.
No matter that the Young Cult Master called her his heart.
No matter that the Cult Master permitted her to learn the Flying Heaven Sword Technique.
No matter that she became the adopted daughter of the Fist Demon.
No matter that she became the Ghost Shadow Branch Master.
Her heart had always remained in the days when she escorted Geom Mugeuk.
And today, through this woman, she could see it.
She might not be able to offer her sincere blessing.
“If he were to leave, would you really let him go?”
At Cha Iran’s question, Lee Ahn shook her head.
“No. How could I let someone like this go? If he said he was leaving…”
Lee Ahn looked at Geom Mugeuk.
“I’ll kill him.”
Geom Mugeuk looked at Lee Ahn with surprised eyes.
Then, Lee Ahn looked at Cha Iran, smiled, and said.
“I’m joking too.”
Although they were both saying it was a joke, an unidentifiable, taut energy flowed between the two women.
In the meantime, the line gradually shortened, and finally, it was Lee Ahn’s turn to apply.
Geom Mugeuk applied on her behalf.
The martial artist taking applications asked without lifting his head.
“First, please tell me the name of the participant.”
“Lee Ahn.”
The martial artist wrote the name on the document.
“Lee Ahn, a martial artist?”
“That is correct.”
“A martial artist, then what is your affiliated sect or clan?”
Then, words that were beyond imagination flowed from Geom Mugeuk’s mouth.
“Heavenly Demon Divine Sect.”
The martial artist wrote it down on the document as he heard it.
“Heavenly Demon Divine Sect, and next is…”
After he finished writing, the martial artist was startled.
“What did you just say?”
Then came the four words, spoken clearly.
“Heavenly Demon Divine Sect.”
The martial artist’s expression hardened as he lifted his head.
You will be punished for playing such pranks!
He was about to give a stern scolding.
The martial artist couldn't do it.
First, Lee Ahn, wearing a veil, was too beautiful.
And he could instinctively tell that Geom Mugeuk, standing next to her, was no ordinary person either.
“I heard that one could apply regardless of origin. Was I mistaken?”
“That is correct. Are you truly from the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect?”
“I am.”
He hadn't expected the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect to participate in this contest, and he certainly hadn't expected them to reveal their identity so brazenly.
The martial artist asked with a trembling voice.
“May I ask your position in the Divine Sect?”
“I cannot tell you that much.”
“Yes, I understand.”
In fact, Lee Ahn was just as surprised.
No, Lee Ahn was more surprised than the martial artist receiving the applications.
She had naturally assumed he would hide their identities and use a cover.
And that woman was even listening from behind them.
‘Could it be he’s trying to look good for that woman?’
She felt that Geom Mugeuk wouldn't do such a thing, but then again, the woman was so beautiful that he might have felt that way.
The martial artist at the reception desk handed over a participation token.
“The preliminary round will be held in three days.”
Then he spoke to the people in that line.
“Please wait just a moment.”
He left his seat and ran off somewhere.
Lee Ahn turned around.
She must have heard the words ‘Heavenly Demon Divine Sect,’ but Cha Iran didn’t seem particularly surprised.
“You’re not surprised.”
“I told you I’m fearless.”
The two women’s gazes intertwined in mid-air.
“Still, you chose the wrong line today.”
After saying that, Lee Ahn strode away.
As if to make sure Lee Ahn heard, Cha Iran said to Geom Mugeuk who was following her out.
“Let’s have a meal sometime later.”
Geom Mugeuk gave a faint smile, bowed his head slightly, and then followed Lee Ahn out.
When the two of them left the Grand Martial Arts Arena and were completely out of the Divine Flower Sect, Lee Ahn finally spoke.
“A peerless beauty asked you to eat, why didn't you make plans?”
“We’ll end up eating together later anyway.”
At Lee Ahn's questioning gaze.
“That woman will approach us again.”
At those words, Lee Ahn’s footsteps stopped.
Her hardened expression softened completely.
“Right? That’s right, isn’t it? That woman knows our identities and approached us intentionally, right? You knew, didn’t you? That’s why you revealed your identity.”
When Geom Mugeuk nodded, a wave of relief washed over Lee Ahn.
“Ah, I was so nervous. I was worried you had fallen for that suspicious woman, Young Master.”
It was a dishonest statement.
She should have said beautiful woman, not suspicious woman.
“But there was another reason for revealing our identities.”
“What reason is that?”
“Because of you.”
“Me?”
Just as Lee Ahn blinked with a clueless expression.
A truly unexpected reason came out.
“Even if you become the Greatest Beauty Under Heaven, it’s meaningless with a fake identity, isn’t it?”
“!”
“Lee Ahn of the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect is the Greatest Beauty Under Heaven. That’s how it should be known to the world.”
Lee Ahn could tell that Geom Mugeuk was sincere.
There was one more reason.
“That way, you won’t have any troublesome matters in your life.”
If they knew the Greatest Beauty Under Heaven was from the Demon Sect, who would dare bother her? Even if a lecher of the martial world wanted to see the Greatest Beauty Under Heaven, if he found out she was from the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect, would he dare even think of going to see her?
‘Ah! You revealed it because of me.’
Lee Ahn was moved.
Here was the Young Cult Master, thinking of her like this, and she had misunderstood him.
“But how did you know that woman approached us intentionally?”
The reason was simple.
Because she was someone he knew.
She was one of the Twelve Zodiac Kings.
The Seventh King of the Twelve Zodiac Kings, the Flower King.
She was the Greatest Beauty Under Heaven during the era when the Twelve Zodiac Kings ruled the world.
She received the attention of the martial artists for her stunning beauty, but no one knew her true identity.
All sorts of rumors circulated.
There was even talk that she had risen to the position of a Twelve Zodiac King through her beauty.
There were also rumors that someone among the Twelve Zodiac Kings loved her and had placed her in that position.
But that was just nonsense spoken by those who didn't know her.
“She is an assassin.”
“!”
Lee Ahn’s eyes widened in surprise.
She had never for a moment thought that beautiful woman could be an assassin.
If Geom Mugeuk hadn’t told her, she wouldn’t have easily believed it.
A true assassin, unknown to the world.
During the era when the Twelve Zodiac Kings ruled the martial world, the most famous assassin known to the world was the Fourth King, the King of Assassins.
But she operated in secret until the moment of her death.
She, who lived with the dishonor of being the flower of the Twelve Zodiac Kings, was only revealed to be a truly outstanding assassin after her death.
Why she lived such a life was never known to the world.
She was the most beautiful assassin in the history of the martial world, and she possessed the most outstanding skills.
Even though the King of Assassins had all the fame as an assassin, she did not want that fame.
In that respect, she was a true blade in the dark.
The reason Geom Mugeuk stared at her so intently earlier was initially out of surprise, and later because he thought her approach was an attempt to use a beauty trap on him.
“She approached you with you as her target, Young Cult Master.”
Lee Ahn became tense.
An assassin and an escort martial artist.
An opponent who was, by fate, her polar opposite.
Fortunately, the target was not Geom Mugeuk.
“Her target is not me.”
What if he hadn't chosen the Heavenly Maiden’s Dream from the Martial Alliance Treasury? What if he hadn’t given it to the Heavenly Flower Pavilion Mistress?
Then he wouldn't have left the sect to meet her.
He wouldn’t be here.
Coming here was entirely his own choice and will.
But this contest had been decided upon long before that.
In other words, separate from her approaching him now, the purpose of hosting and participating in this contest was for something else.
Geom Mugeuk stopped walking.
He looked at the poster for the Greatest Beauty Under Heaven Contest pasted on the wall.
Only then did Lee Ahn understand.
“The target was the Unorthodox Alliance Leader.”
Because if one became the Greatest Beauty Under Heaven, as a prize, one could attend a banquet with the Unorthodox Alliance Leader.
A woman like her could surely become the Greatest Beauty Under Heaven.
Geom Mugeuk nodded.
If it was an assassination mission that required her to act personally, the target would be the Unorthodox Alliance Leader.
Of course, it might not be, and the situation could have changed due to his intervention.
Geom Mugeuk intended to deal with the situation while keeping all possibilities in mind.
“The way to stop it is simple.”
“You just have to kill that woman, Young Cult Master.”
“When nothing has been confirmed yet?”
“Ah, that’s right. Then how do we stop it?”
Then, Geom Mugeuk smiled meaningfully and said.
“You just have to become the Greatest Beauty Under Heaven. Then you can prevent that woman from attending the banquet. Lee Ahn, who became the Greatest Beauty, saves the Unorthodox Alliance Leader!”
“Stop teasing me!”
Could she really beat her and be chosen as the Greatest Beauty Under Heaven?
Lee Ahn recalled the way the woman had walked towards her earlier.
Thinking back, she still couldn't believe she was an assassin.
“I guess getting entangled with us was also fate. She happened to join our line when it was the shortest.”
One might think that ending up in the same line was fate, but Geom Mugeuk knew that wasn't the case.
The secret assassination organization led by the Flower King, the Cult of Beauties.
The assassins of the Cult of Beauties were all women.
It was said to be composed only of beautiful women.
“I think it was no coincidence that our line was the shortest when she joined.”
“What do you mean by that? Don’t tell me?”
“Yes, the assassins she leads stood in the other lines to control the length. So she could naturally stand behind us.”
“…”
Geom Mugeuk now knew for sure.
Why they hosted a contest to pick the Greatest Beauty Under Heaven instead of a martial arts tournament.
Here, bustling with countless women gathered from all over the Central Plains, the assassins of the Cult of Beauties could naturally blend in without raising any suspicion.
He didn't know how many of them had come, but one thing was certain.
“Right now, these streets are full of beautiful assassins.”