The Unorthodox Alliance Leader, Baek Ja-gang, stood on the roof of a building with a clear view of the entire Divine Flower Sect.
Behind him, Bi Sa-in reported the results of his investigation.
“According to the investigation, it seems that not only the Young Lord, An Hu-pyeong, but the other Divine Flower Sect martial artists were also unaware of this incident.”
Perhaps it was only natural.
They wouldn’t have recklessly leaked such a monumental plan as the assassination of the Unorthodox Alliance Leader.
It was likely a secret known only to the Divine Flower Sect Master, An Cheong-gwang, and the Flame Serpent Sword and Iron Cold Blade who had died with him.
“How should we deal with An Hu-pyeong?”
As the direct blood relative of the Divine Flower Sect Master who orchestrated the plot, he could be held accountable.
Even if he were innocent, a crime could be fabricated.
But Baek Ja-gang chose not to.
“Just leave him be. If he was unaware, there is no need to punish him.”
Bi Sa-in considered it a wise decision.
An Hu-pyeong was not the kind of man with the poisonous heart or the boldness to seek revenge over this matter.
Rather than appearing heartless by punishing the kin for a grave crime, showing the Unorthodox Alliance Leader's great magnanimity was the better choice in many ways.
In truth, An Hu-pyeong's real problems were just beginning.
What if he inherited the Divine Flower Sect as things stood?
Could this immature man, who had lived like a ruffian, successfully protect the Divine Flower Sect in the harsh world of the Unorthodox Faction?
It would likely not be easy.
Just then, the voice of the guard commander, In Gung, came from the air.
“Young Cult Master Geom has come to see you.”
“Let him come.”
Bi Sa-in bowed to Baek Ja-gang.
“Then I will take my leave.”
Bi Sa-in excused himself, thinking that his Master would have things to discuss privately with Geom Mugeuk regarding this incident.
A moment later, Geom Mugeuk ascended to the spot where Baek Ja-gang waited alone.
“Greetings, Alliance Leader.”
After a polite bow, Geom Mugeuk expressed his gratitude.
“Thank you for entrusting this matter to me.”
Since it was a plot to kill him, Baek Ja-gang could have handled it himself from start to finish.
Moreover, this was the territory of the Unorthodox Alliance.
“Do you know why I entrusted this matter to you?”
“What was the reason?”
It wasn't because it was bothersome, nor was it because Geom Mugeuk had informed him of the assassination plot.
Baek Ja-gang, who had been looking down at the Divine Flower Sect, turned to Geom Mugeuk and said,
“It's because I respect you.”
Feeling the sincerity in his words, Geom Mugeuk also bowed with sincerity.
“Thank you very much for thinking so highly of my lacking self. I, too, have always respected you, Alliance Leader.”
No shiver ran down his spine.
The gaze directed at Geom Mugeuk was naturally soft.
“You’ve worked hard.”
“The Laughing Demon Sovereign did everything in this matter. I just came here after a good night's sleep.”
Baek Ja-gang stared at Geom Mugeuk for a moment.
“It seems you slept well.”
Surprisingly, Baek Ja-gang had read the change in Geom Mugeuk.
Geom Mugeuk was, in a word, growing stronger every time they met.
This Young Cult Master before him made a man who thought he should step down feel like he should start anew.
He was sure the Martial Alliance Leader felt similarly.
Perhaps the Demon Cult Master was no different.
“Did you find out why those bastards tried to kill me?”
“I’m sorry, but I was unable to find out.”
Baek Ja-gang thought that perhaps it was to be expected.
The moment he heard those prophecy-like words, this ceased to be a simple assassination plot.
“What do you make of that nonsense?”
If the Unorthodox Alliance Leader does not die, the martial world will be destroyed.
By calling it nonsense, Baek Ja-gang revealed he had no intention of destroying the martial world.
‘It is nonsense.’
He could have said that to appease Baek Ja-gang.
“It is likely not nonsense.”
Baek Ja-gang’s small eyes gleamed sharply.
“I believe it is a statement with some meaning behind it.”
The Heavenly Flower Pavilion Mistress had said it was like a prophecy.
That meant that this Unorthodox Alliance Leader was deeply involved in future events in some way.
“So, you believe those words?”
“That you will destroy the martial world, Alliance Leader? No, of course not. If you did, would the martial world truly be destroyed?”
Though he knew it was said to please him, the Young Cult Master’s words couldn't help but lift his spirits.
“I don’t believe those words at all.”
“Then why did you say they have meaning?”
“They are people with a twisted conviction. They are the Descendants of the Heavenly Will Palace, who believe they are carrying out the will of heaven."
"Among the Three Palaces of the Heavenly Will Palace, they are the Descendants of the Darkness Palace, known to be the most evil."
"You know that they actually started a war to conquer the martial world three hundred years ago, don't you?”
Geom Mugeuk interpreted the prophecy from their perspective.
“If you remain alive, Alliance Leader, they may not be able to achieve something they dream of. Perhaps they interpreted you saving the martial world as its destruction.”
Baek Ja-gang smiled faintly.
In the end, it meant it wasn’t just nonsense, but nonsense they took seriously.
“I have no reason to destroy the martial world, but I have no reason to save it either.”
“You never know.”
This remark also sent no shiver down his spine.
Geom Mugeuk truly believed he might save the martial world.
“Please don’t be offended by that prophecy. It just means you are at the center of this incident. However, I believe one thing is certain. They have something to gain by assassinating you. Since there is a clear successor, it’s not the power of the Unorthodox Alliance, but something else.”
Geom Mugeuk looked at Baek Ja-gang and asked,
“What is it that they want, Alliance Leader?”
Baek Ja-gang gave no answer.
“The answer definitely lies with you, Alliance Leader.”
Bi Sa-in was looking at the final stage of the contest.
Just then, Geom Mugeuk flew through the air with his lightness arts and landed on the empty stage.
“What a shame. I wanted to see Lee Ahn become the Greatest Beauty Under Heaven on this stage.”
Bi Sa-in knew he would come looking for him.
If he came to see his Master, he would come to see him as well, so even without arranging a meeting place, he found him just fine.
“If you're disappointed, you can host it again.”
At Bi Sa-in’s words, Geom Mugeuk sat on the edge of the stage.
“The Greatest Beauty Under Heaven Contest, hosted by the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect. I wonder if anyone would even participate out of fear. With no contestants, even you could make it to the main round if you put on some makeup and entered.”
Bi Sa-in let out a dry laugh.
Most of his laughs were of this incredulous sort, but he laughed quite readily in front of Geom Mugeuk.
“Are you returning to the sect now?”
“I have to. Maybe it’s because I saw the Alliance Leader, but I miss my father terribly.”
He had told Cha Iran that he would rescue Ak Gun-hak and let them leave, but he couldn't just do that without a plan.
He didn't know where he was, and even if he did, this matter was not something that could be handled so simply.
If he trusted Ak Gun-hak, he had to wait.
If their connection was meant to continue, fate would surely call.
“By the way, do you know the place with the best atmosphere and scenery around here?”
“Why do you ask?”
Even though this was Unorthodox Alliance territory, Geom Mugeuk, who had been all over the Central Plains, would know better than anyone.
He wondered why he was being asked, but there was a mischievous intent behind it.
“I'm going to let you do what you're good at.”
“What I'm good at? What's that?”
Bi Sa-in's anxiety slowly began to rise.
He would have preferred an answer like, killing people!
“You know. The thing you do well behind your friends' backs.”
As Bi Sa-in's sense of crisis heightened, Geom Mugeuk whispered,
“I’m talking about that secret, hidden affection of yours. Your secret love!”
For a moment, Bi Sa-in was flustered.
He knew he was talking about Han Seol, the Young Palace Master of the Ice Palace, but Bi Sa-in flatly denied it.
“I don't know what you're talking about.”
He had said he would tease him endlessly, and now it had begun.
“I’m busy today, so I have to go.”
Geom Mugeuk leaped into the air, speaking as he went.
He teased him even as he left.
“Ah! I have to go so I can pass on the secret technique.”
The Seventeenth Assassin was crossing a narrow wooden bridge.
The bridge spanned the water, leading to a pavilion in the middle of a lake.
The surrounding scenery was beautiful beyond words.
But she couldn't enjoy the wildflowers swaying by the lakeside, nor the turquoise lake that sparkled like jewels.
The order to go to this pavilion had come from Cha Iran.
She had pointed her out without any explanation and sent her here.
Ah, she did say one thing.
She told her to dress well.
For some reason, it felt like she was heading out on an assassination mission.
And so, the Seventeenth Assassin arrived at the pavilion.
Stepping into the pavilion, the Seventeenth Assassin saw who was waiting and froze on the spot.
It was the Crescent Moon Faceless One.
He, too, seemed surprised, as if he hadn't expected her to come.
An awkward silence and atmosphere flowed for a moment.
The Seventeenth Assassin knew.
Cha Iran had realized she had feelings for this Faceless One.
Had the Fifth Assassin told her? Or had someone who saw them greet each other while cleaning up the bodies reported it?
In any case, this must be Cha Iran’s warning.
A warning not to give her heart to a man.
The Seventeenth Assassin took a deep breath and broke the silence.
Thinking she would never see this person again, she conveyed her honest feelings.
“Thank you for saving me twice. I was so happy when I saw you were alive earlier.”
She had been so happy when Cha Iran decided to rest in the shadow of the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect, but now, even if they were in the same place, she would never be able to acknowledge him.
She took a dagger from her robes and gave it to him.
“This dagger is meaningful to me. I want to give it to you as a token of my gratitude.”
Though she spoke confidently, her voice was trembling.
To feel this way for someone whose face she had never even seen.
“And please understand if I pretend not to know you from now on.”
The Crescent Moon Faceless One listened to her words in silence.
“Well then, I'll be on my way.”
It was then, as she bowed her head in farewell.
Someone flew across the lake like the wind and landed in the pavilion.
Holding a bottle of wine in his hand, it was Geom Mugeuk.
“I bought some wine for the two of you. Since you probably can't drink, I bought a fragrant one. It's awkward when you first meet, so having this in the middle should liven things up, right? You have no idea how far I ran to get this. But why is the atmosphere like this? Did you two fight already?”
At Geom Mugeuk's appearance, both the Seventeenth Assassin and the Crescent Moon Faceless One were startled.
The Seventeenth Assassin asked with a surprised face,
“Young Cult Master, why are you here?”
“Why do you ask? I'm the one who called you. I asked Miss Cha to call you here.”
To her bewildered expression, Geom Mugeuk said,
“Have you already forgotten? Didn't I say I would create an opportunity for you to express your gratitude? For you to meet him in person and give him the dagger.”
“!”
How could the Seventeenth Assassin have forgotten? But she had never imagined the Young Cult Master would actually create such an opportunity, so she hadn't thought that Geom Mugeuk was the one who arranged it.
‘Did he really arrange this for me?’
The Seventeenth Assassin's face turned red.
Not knowing this, she had just blurted out all her honest feelings to him.
She couldn't bring herself to look at him.
“I misunderstood. I’m sorry.”
She was so embarrassed she wanted to jump into the lake.
Just then, the Crescent Moon Faceless One spoke for the first time.
“The Young Cult Master even brought wine.”
The Seventeenth Assassin lifted her head and looked at him.
“You should at least have a drink before you go.”
A small wave of emotion spread through her eyes.
The Faceless One clasped his fists respectfully to Geom Mugeuk and expressed his thanks.
“Thank you for arranging this, Young Cult Master.”
In that moment, the Faceless One seemed so composed that the Seventeenth Assassin became terribly curious about the face beneath the mask.
“Well then, you two talk.”
Leaving the two of them, Geom Mugeuk quietly excused himself.
In an instant, Geom Mugeuk crossed the lake and landed on the shore.
Cha Iran was waiting there.
In front of those two, he had been a very gentlemanly Young Cult Master.
“Miss Cha, by any chance, is there a secret technique among the assassins that lets you breathe underwater and eavesdrop on people? Ah! I'm dying of curiosity about what those two are talking about! Let's go eavesdrop!”
Cha Iran was surprised when he asked her to call the Seventeenth Assassin.
She was surprised that he had actually made them meet, but even more surprised that he hadn't forgotten about it.
The Young Cult Master of the Demon Sect hadn't forgotten about the affairs of a mere subordinate?
Cha Iran turned her gaze toward the pavilion.
“What are you going to do if those two really elope in the middle of the night?”
“That would be nice, but in reality, they'll probably keep it in their hearts and long for each other for the rest of their lives.”
“Wouldn't that be more unfortunate?”
At that, Geom Mugeuk stared at her and abruptly asked,
“Are you more unfortunate because you keep that person in your heart?”
“!”
She was not.
The feelings she had for him occupied a rather large space in the small realm of happiness in her life.
Even if it was a one-sided emotion.
“If you pledge allegiance to the Main Sect, those two can live happily without eloping.”
“Are you telling me to become a demonic practitioner for their sake?”
Then, unexpected words flowed from Geom Mugeuk's lips.
“No, I'm asking you to become a demonic practitioner for my sake.”
For a moment, Cha Iran was stunned.
She never expected him to say something like that.
“To become the Young Cult Master’s direct assassination squad. A rumor would spread throughout the martial world. That the Young Cult Master of the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect commands the greatest assassination squad in the martial world! And that it's a squad made up of truly beautiful women!”
Cha Iran looked at Geom Mugeuk.
“Can you handle me?”
A moment of silence passed.
She thought he would wave his hands and say it was a joke, but Geom Mugeuk stared at her with a serious face.
For a brief moment, Cha Iran thought about what it would be like to live such a life.
This Young Cult Master was a person who made one seriously consider this ridiculous proposal.
“You said you would let me leave as I please once we get rid of them.”
“Wouldn't it be too much of a waste to just let a talent like you go?”
She should have dismissed it as nonsense, but Cha Iran asked again.
“That person fought in order to leave. So what are you fighting for?”
After a brief pause, Geom Mugeuk answered.
“At least one thing is certain. It's not for the unification of the martial world or its destruction.”
Geom Mugeuk revealed his honest heart to her.
“I want to go fishing with my father, hang out with the Demon Sovereigns, drink wine, read books, and travel. I want to live like that.”
Geom Mugeuk looked at the pavilion across the water, which glittered in the sunlight.
“And to help those two elope, and also...”
Finally, he looked at Cha Iran and added,
“To find your love for you.”
Cha Iran couldn't tell how much was sincere and how much was a joke, but one thing was certain.
Being with this person would bring a great change to her life.
Geom Mugeuk let out a feigned sigh.
“To me, living such a life feels more difficult than unifying the martial world.”
Geom Mugeuk's gaze toward her deepened.
“Can you handle a man like me?”