There was someone blocking Jin Hageon, who was walking toward the carriage. It was his younger sister, Jin Haryeong.
“You're attending the banquet?”
“What brings you here?”
“What else? I came to see off my dear brother.”
“Why are you doing something you never do?”
Having lost their parents early, the two had grown up relying on each other. Thus, they cared for each other deeply. However, it was the first time Jin Haryeong had come out to see him off like this.
“Is it because of that Geom Mugeuk fellow?”
“What do you mean?”
“Did you come out because you're worried about him?”
Jin Hageon knew that his sister had formed a connection with Geom Mugeuk during the Soryongjeon last time. He also knew that thanks to Geom Mugeuk’s help, his sister had emerged unscathed then.
Jin Haryeong could neither deny it nor admit it.
If she said she was worried about her brother, it would hurt his pride; if she said she was worried about Geom Mugeuk, it would invite needless misunderstanding.
“He is not an easy opponent. Don't ever let your guard down. That's what I came to tell you.”
“I am aware of his extraordinariness as well. I shall be careful.”
Jin Haryeong grabbed her brother's arm as he tried to board the carriage.
“You must approach him without prejudice. Don't think, 'He's a demonic practitioner, so he must be like this.' He is not the kind of person you think he is.”
Jin Hageon could not tell exactly what his sister was worried about. After all, he had never met Geom Mugeuk even once.
“That Geom Mugeuk has grown too large. If we cannot break his momentum now, we may not be able to stop him later.”
Jin Haryeong had also been hearing news of Geom Mugeuk. The news was astonishing. She thought back to when he had first introduced himself with an alias.
“I am Geomyeon. Not the Yeon of fate or connection, but the Yeon of smoke. I will remain like this for a moment, then vanish like smoke.”
Perhaps to her, he was not Geom Mugeuk, but Geomyeon. Because when everything was over, he had truly disappeared like smoke. That must be why she thought of him from time to time. She heard he had become the Young Cult Leader. She wanted to say at least a word of congratulations.
Unaware of such feelings, Jin Hageon regarded Geom Mugeuk as an enemy.
“I believe that righteousness can overcome any evil. So do not worry.”
Then Jin Haryeong spoke cautiously.
“What if he is a Demonic Hero?”
A martial artist of the demonic path who nonetheless upholds righteousness. She hadn’t realized it when she saw Geom Mugeuk, but whenever she thought of him after parting, the word “Demonic Hero” came to mind. One who is not bound by dogma or formalities yet steadfastly protects what must be protected—thus, not the stifling kind of righteous hero who fails because of this or hesitates because of that, but the kind of Demonic Hero who unflinchingly smashes everything apart.
“Could such a person exist? Such things are merely fabrications by idle gossips. Upholding righteousness is not such an easy feat. It is something demonic practitioners obsessed with the strong devouring the weak can never accomplish.”
With that, the carriage carrying Jin Hageon departed. The martial artists escorting him followed on horseback.
Watching the sight, Jin Haryeong let out a light sigh.
“I was telling you to let go of such prejudices.”
She clearly had faith in both her brother and Geom Mugeuk.
But today, Jin Hageon was moving to contend for hegemony over Murim. When ambitions collided and desires ran rampant, no one could tell what would happen.
Thus, her eyes watching the carriage ride off into the distance were filled with worry. Seeing herself worrying as she never had before, she realized she had become an adult before she knew it, and Murim was hurtling toward a new era.
* * *
“Why us of all people?”
As soon as they met, Hyeolcheon Doma demanded as if picking a fight.
But I could feel it. Doma was excited. Because this was the first time he had been called upon when the help of Demonic Venerables was needed.
“We need to create an atmosphere of terror. As if a state of emergency has been declared in the Honam region even though you've done nothing.”
Then Hyeolcheon Doma glanced at Gwonma and nodded with an expression that said, 'If so, you chose well.' There were few people in the world who could show such a reaction in front of Gwonma.
“Then why am I here?”
Hyeolcheon Doma had naturally assumed that the atmosphere of terror was Gwonma's role.
“Elder, you are in charge of terror.”
“What?”
The surprised Hyeolcheon Doma turned back to Gwonma.
“Then why did you call him?”
“Because I need smart people too.”
“Why, you—!”
Before Hyeolcheon Doma could explode in anger, I ran forward to embrace him.
“Elder! I've missed you.”
In truth, Gwonma was the face, and Hyeolcheon Doma was the fiery one.
Hyeolcheon Doma dodged my attempt to hug him using footwork.
“I've been utterly humiliated here in Honam! You have no idea how much I wished for you two to come!”
“Serves you right. Who were you tormenting?”
“It's a misunderstanding!”
After a chaotic reunion with Hyeolcheon Doma, I greeted Gwonma.
“Master, I've longed to see you.”
Gwonma spoke curtly.
“What help do you need?”
He was the type who, if I said, 'I want to conquer Murim!', would simply reply 'Let's go!' without another word. That was how dependable he was. The joy I felt within that curtness made me all the happier.
It is so good to see you again, Master.
With Hyeolcheon Doma and Gwonma here, it truly felt as if I had gained an army of thousands.
“Now that you two are here, shall we take on the whole of Murim?”
I explained the current situation to both of them.
“...Since the Sado Maeng has entered the fray, we have ample justification to move.”
“You've already decided which sects each of you will absorb with the Sado Maeng.”
As expected, the shrewd Hyeolcheon Doma had grasped the core of this collaboration without needing to be told.
“As expected of you, Elder!”
The sects supporting the Sado Maeng and those supporting the main cult were clearly divided. There was no need to clash with Bisa-in over this matter.
“What of the Sado Maeng?”
“They are currently absorbing sects.”
Then Gwonma stood up abruptly and said.
“Let's go too. No need to waste time.”
Simply showing Gwonma's face would mean this matter was already settled.
* * *
A banquet was prepared at the Cheonhwamun.
The banquet was held at night, and trustworthy martial artists were stationed throughout.
Seocheong was excited at the thought of meeting the man who would become the Murim Alliance Leader.
'They say the successor is young, so I must win him over well. It wouldn't be bad to advance into the Murim Alliance through this opportunity.'
Hadn't he had experience mingling with and leading the young rising stars of Honam? He was confident he could handle youngsters.
On the other hand, Seobaekjung was staring anxiously at the entrance.
The appointed time had passed, yet none of the faction leaders following Cheonhwamun had arrived. It would be disastrous if Jin Hageon arrived before them.
The anxious Seobaekjung pressed his confidant, Yumaeng.
“Why has no one arrived?”
How would Yumaeng know the reason?
When he hesitated, unable to answer, Seobaekjung interrogated him.
“Did you deliver the message properly?”
“Yes.”
“Could you have gotten the date wrong?”
“No. How could I have been negligent with something this important?”
“Then why aren't they coming? Go and check immediately.”
“Yes.”
Even after sending Yumaeng, Seobaekjung could not sit still. He had a bad feeling. They should have arrived early just to read his mood, if nothing else.
Then a subordinate ran in and reported.
“The Myeolmadae Leader has arrived.”
Seobaekjung was startled. Jin Hageon had arrived earlier than the appointed time.
The doors opened, and Myeolmadae martial artists poured in, seizing control of the surroundings.
Watching this, Seocheong was shocked. When the first Myeolmadae warrior entered, he had thought that man was the Myeolmadae Leader. The momentum of the Myeolmadae martial artists was so extraordinary that such a misunderstanding was understandable.
When his eyes met those of a nearby Myeolmadae warrior, Seocheong was the first to avert his gaze. Their aura was incomparable to that of the rising stars he usually mingled with.
Soon after, Jin Hageon entered. The aura of the Leader was different from that of his subordinates. He possessed a certain dignity that made it impossible to treat him lightly.
Seocheong's original plan had been to approach slyly with a “We young martial artists should get along,” and eventually “Let me guide you to a fine place,” but he couldn't even meet Jin Hageon's eyes and simply bowed his head.
An old man entered behind Jin Hageon.
Dressed in pure white robes, holding a sword against his chest as if cradling it, his bearing was as if an immortal had descended.
His presence was truly overwhelming, and Seobaekjung recognized him at a single glance.
'A Sword Immortal!'
He had seen him once from afar in the past. Surrounded by countless experts and receiving grand hospitality, he was a peerless master with an aura one could never forget after a single glance.
Sword Immortal I Haksin.
An absolute master of the orthodox faction and one of Murim's foremost swordsmanship experts, he was also a friend of Murim Alliance Leader Jin Pacheon. Jin Pacheon had asked him to assist his grandson on this journey to Honam.
Seobaekjung rushed out to welcome Jin Hageon.
“Welcome, My Lord.”
“It is a pleasure, Sect Leader.”
“Thanks to your help this time, my son was able to return safely. I will not forget this grace.”
Jin Hageon only nodded and said nothing further about it. Instead, he introduced I Haksin to him.
“This time, the Sword Immortal has specially accompanied me.”
Seobaekjung bowed so low his waist nearly touched the ground.
“It is the greatest honor for my family to meet the Sword Immortal.”
“Greetings.”
The Sword Immortal substituted a greeting with that single word. He was not pleased about absorbing the Cheonhwamun. Accepting those who had not walked the path of righteousness thus far for political reasons did not align with his convictions. But he had come to fulfill his friend's request.
“Come, please sit here.”
Jin Hageon seated himself at the seat of honor, while the Sword Immortal stood slightly apart. By rights, he should have taken the seat of honor, but this time he focused solely on protecting Jin Hageon. Since that matter had already been discussed with Jin Hageon, Jin Hageon focused on the purpose of his visit today.
The Myeolmadae martial artists used silver needles to check the banquet's alcohol and food for poison.
“No one else has arrived yet.”
Seobaekjung flinched at Jin Hageon's words. They should have all been here waiting, but the unthinkable had occurred.
Seobaekjung forced himself to remain calm as he poured wine and spoke.
“Out of a greedy wish to spend time alone with you, I called them for later.”
He then changed the subject by flaunting his power.
“More than thirty sects follow our main sect. If we absorb them all, the Murim Alliance may seize the hegemony of Honam.”
It might seem that since his son had been rescued, he should be the more humble party, but the essence of this matter was different. The one still holding the hilt of the knife was him.
The rescue of his son had to be interpreted thus: how badly must the Murim Alliance have needed the Cheonhwamun to intervene while risking conflict with the demonic cult? Moreover, it wasn't just the Cheonhwamun being absorbed. The thirty-odd factions following Cheonhwamun were being thrown in as a bonus.
'I must lead the negotiations advantageously.'
Meanwhile, Jin Hageon was keeping his words sparse. His opponent was a cunning old fox who had been through countless hardships. When dealing with such a person, one had to speak sparingly and only say what was necessary. A seasoned opponent would find weaknesses in an excess of words.
“As you can guess, most of them are followers of the Cheonma Singyo and the Sado Maeng. To absorb them into the Murim Alliance, you must demonstrate formidable power.”
Jin Hageon was determined to win their hearts. If he could not obtain them, then using his own authority would result in only half a success.
“I wish to show my strength, but they aren't coming.”
As Jin Hageon spoke with a smile, Seobaekjung responded with a jest.
“They must be too intimidated to face the Myeolmadae Leader.”
Afterward, Seobaekjung tried to stall with various words, but no matter how long they waited, the others did not appear.
Seobaekjung was beside himself with anxiety, his hands trembling. He was gambling his family on the wager of a lifetime, yet the very people who needed to appear were not coming. Something had happened.
At first, Jin Ha-gun thought Seo Baek-jung was engaging in a battle of nerves. But he soon sensed that something had gone wrong. Then, at last, the doors to the banquet hall opened.
“They’re here!”
Seo Baek-jung cried out with a delighted expression, looking toward the door. Everyone had hoped a crowd would pour in, but through the open doors stepped a single person.
The moment all eyes focused on him, the Demon Extermination Unit hurled themselves forward to shield Jin Ha-gun.
Clang.
They drew their swords in unison.
The one who had entered without concealing his killing intent was Bi Sa-in.
The Thirteen Wolves of Sado also drew their swords at once and stepped forward.
The Demon Extermination Unit and the Thirteen Wolves of Sado faced off, blades aimed at one another.
Behind Bi Sa-in, Goeak and Gwangseom entered. The expressions of the Demon Extermination Unit’s warriors hardened. At a glance, they were masters beyond their own level, and the killing intent they exuded was so dense it was suffocating.
It was then.
Whoooooosh!
A strand of clear, refreshing energy blew in like the wind, pushing back the killing intent that had been encroaching upon them. It was the aura released by the Sword Immortal. As the killing intent was forced back, the faces of the Demon Extermination Unit’s warriors eased.
At that, Goeak and Gwangseom drew up even more internal energy and unleashed their killing intent. The Sword Immortal did not yield even before the combined pressure of the two.
As an invisible contest of wills unfolded between them, a taut tension filled the hall in an instant. It was a situation where, if someone were to drop even a dagger by mistake, a bloody battle might erupt.
Just as the atmosphere was growing increasingly vicious, Bi Sa-in turned and spoke respectfully to Goeak and Gwangseom.
“For now, I must exchange a few words with the commander over there. Why don’t you seniors settle your old feelings a little later?”
At that, the killing intent pouring from Goeak and Gwangseom subsided. Whether they wished it or not, they obeyed the young alliance leader’s orders without fail. The Sword Immortal also withdrew the aura he had released and stared steadily at the two masters of the unorthodox faction. They knew well who each other was. Their eyes exchanged such words.
—You were still alive?
—With evils overflowing in the world, I haven’t even the time to die.
But since they had come escorting important people, they did not continue their emotional clash.
Bi Sa-in stepped forward and said,
“I am Bi Sa-in, young alliance leader of the Sado Alliance.”
When he revealed his identity, the atmosphere in the hall froze.
Seo Baek-jung, in particular, trembled in fear. The person who absolutely must not appear had appeared.
And only then did he understand why the heads had not come.
‘They’ve all turned on me!’
At Bi Sa-in’s appearance, Seo Cheong retreated far away and prepared to flee at any moment.
Jin Ha-gun stepped forward and greeted him.
“I am Jin Ha-gun, commander of the Murim Alliance’s Demon Extermination Unit.”
It was the first meeting between the two. They looked at each other as if probing one another. In the future, when one became the leader of the Murim Alliance and the other the leader of the Sado Alliance, they would be lifelong archenemies.
“How is it that you have become an uninvited guest?”
Bi Sa-in smoothly deflected Jin Ha-gun’s rebuke.
“That is what I came to ask. Why did the invitation meant for us go to your side? I assume it must have been a mistake.”
“Unfortunately for you, it was no mistake. Sect Leader Seo has already decided to stand with the Murim Alliance.”
At that, Bi Sa-in looked at Seo Baek-jung and asked,
“Is that true?”
How could Seo Baek-jung dare say that it was?
Jin Ha-gun stepped in on behalf of the troubled man.
“See here. Just what do you think you’re doing, coming into someone else’s territory?”
A taut tension flowed between the two men.
Jin Ha-gun had no intention of yielding even an inch. The same was true of Bi Sa-in.
Both the Demon Extermination Unit and the Thirteen Wolves of Sado were tense. If a melee broke out, there could be great casualties.
It was then.
Creeeeak.
The doors slowly opened, and a new person appeared.
Everyone’s eyes turned that way.
Seo Baek-jung was startled out of his wits. Bi Sa-in’s arrival alone had been disastrous, yet another person who absolutely must not come had arrived.
Geom Mugeuk stepped inside, exuding demonic energy.
Along with him, all twelve of his guards entered as well.
The Demon Extermination Unit and the Thirteen Wolves of Sado, who had been facing off, split in half and confronted the Heavenly Demon Hall guards as well.
Behind Geom Mugeuk, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Fist Demon followed in.
At the appearance of the two Demon Venerables, even the Sword Immortal, Goeak, and Gwangseom flinched in surprise. They knew one another.
In an instant, Geom Mugeuk shrouded the place in demonic energy and spoke coldly.
“Since we’re talking about territory, let’s get our words straight. This is our territory.”