Two people were walking down the corridor.
The one in front was the captain of the guard, Ingung, and following behind him was Geom Mugeuk.
When they had nearly reached the Alliance Leader’s Hall, Geom Mugeuk stopped for a moment and looked up at the steel wolf.
“So this is the famous wolf of the Sado Alliance. I heard that when a crisis comes, this wolf comes to life and stops intruders. Is that really true?”
At Geom Mugeuk’s question, Ingung gave no answer. Even while guiding Geom Mugeuk, he had not uttered a single word. He was someone who rarely showed himself to begin with, and today was a special case.
“Wolf, if you do come to life later, don’t bite me.”
As he said that, Geom Mugeuk suddenly thrust his hand into the wolf’s mouth.
Then, all of a sudden.
“Uaaaaaagh!”
Geom Mugeuk let out a scream filled with pain.
Despite the realistic acting, Ingung merely stared at Geom Mugeuk in silence.
Smacking his lips, Geom Mugeuk pulled his hand out of the wolf’s mouth.
“You were so quiet that I tried playing a little prank.”
With a blunt expression, Ingung began walking again, and Geom Mugeuk followed after him. What he had sensed inside the wolf’s mouth was a strange energy that only an expert of his level could perceive.
The great doors opened, and the two entered the Alliance Leader’s Hall.
Ingung naturally stepped back behind Geom Mugeuk, and then at some point vanished. It was a high-level concealment art, the sort one might see only from Hwi, his father’s guard.
Far in the distance, the Sado Alliance Leader, Baek Jagang, was seated in a taishi chair.
As Geom Mugeuk walked toward him, he said,
“In our cult’s Cult Leader’s Hall, a red carpet is laid along this path. Everyone calls that carpet the Path of Blood. I don’t know the exact reason—whether it’s because the path to becoming the Heavenly Demon is too arduous, or because countless lives and deaths have been decided by the hands of those who come and go along that carpet.”
From far away, Baek Jagang replied,
“Have you ever lifted that carpet and looked underneath?”
“No.”
“Beneath it, there are likely mechanisms hidden that even experts cannot avoid.”
At that, Geom Mugeuk stopped walking, crouched down, and examined the floor closely.
“There are some here too!”
The floor was densely dotted with tiny holes from which poisoned needles could be fired. If poisoned needles were launched from these holes all at once, it seemed unlikely that even the greatest expert would survive. It was poison guarding the Alliance Leader’s Hall; how could it be the sort of poison solved with a single mouthful of antidote?
“It is more trustworthy than people.”
True. If the Sado Alliance Leader trusted people, that would be the stranger thing.
“When I return, I’ll be sure to lift the carpet.”
Geom Mugeuk stood up again and continued walking.
After reaching the foot of the taishi chair, he gave a courteous bow.
“I never imagined there would come a day when I entered the Sado Alliance Leader’s Hall.”
“The same goes for me. I never imagined I would receive you here.”
“As expected, Alliance Leaders look the most impressive when seated in a taishi chair.”
He acted as comfortably as though he had stepped into the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult’s Cult Leader’s Hall.
“Are you not afraid of me?”
“I am. After my father, you are the person I fear most.”
“Then why do you behave as though you are not afraid?”
“In my experience, those who felt frightening to me never actually harmed me. The people who tried to harm me were all smiling with pleasant faces.”
Baek Jagang deliberately smiled. His eyes curved like crescent moons. Short crescent moons.
“Like this?”
“That puts me even more at ease.”
“Why?”
“Because when you smile, Alliance Leader, you become even scarier.”
How could one possibly defeat Geom Mugeuk with words?
‘How did a son like this come from under that taciturn man, Geom Ujin?’
Once the greetings were over, Geom Mugeuk asked with a serious expression,
“Whom did Hyeok Sagun name?”
“He named the person who follows me best.”
The betrayal of Beon Cheon, commander of the Extreme Blade Corps, had been an even greater shock than hearing that Bi Sain had been bewitched by Geom Mugeuk.
“There is even evidence that you people schemed this from behind the scenes. Despite that, why should I trust you?”
“Do not trust me. Trust your disciple.”
Geom Mugeuk conveyed Bi Sain’s words to the Alliance Leader.
“He said he would live as you told him. He must have cried a great deal over what you said to him, because his eyes were swollen. With that face, and then his eyes swollen on top of it… I had to force myself not to tease him for being ugly.”
Baek Jagang stared straight into Geom Mugeuk’s eyes and said,
“I trust Sain. It is you I cannot trust.”
“If I had plotted in order to seize the Sado Alliance, then among all the many schemes available, I would not have planned something that split apart a master and disciple to gain something from it.”
“Why not?”
There were many reasons he could have given, but Geom Mugeuk chose the most emotional one.
“Because it has no style.”
He had expected an eccentric answer might come, but because it had no style? One corner of Baek Jagang’s mouth curled upward.
Geom Mugeuk continued.
“If it were me, I would have sent you to the dueling ground. In that field where you called me, I would have said, Let us fight one bout like martial artists. Whoever wins takes this murim! That is my way. That is why I do not dream of things like the unification of murim. It is a dream that can never be achieved with such a naive heart.”
After a brief pause, Baek Jagang asked,
“Is that not why it can be achieved?”
Geom Mugeuk saw it. In that fleeting instant, a certain heat flared in Baek Jagang’s small pupils.
He too thought similarly. Let us fight one bout, and the side that wins takes everything. He too was that kind of man.
“I thought you viewed murim with tremendous coldness and realism, Alliance Leader, but you possessed an emotional side like this as well.”
Baek Jagang gave no answer. In truth, it was a point he had never once considered. There had been no one who dared speak of the duality within him.
“If that is the case, Alliance Leader, you too should wake up from your dream of unifying murim!”
A shout burst from Baek Jagang’s mouth.
“You wretch!”
Baek Jagang’s cry rang out thunderously.
“How dare you say such a thing in my Alliance Leader’s Hall!”
Outwardly, he was angry, but Baek Jagang was not angry at all. When would he ever hear someone tell him to wake up from his dream? It had never happened until now, and it never would again.
“I misspoke! Please forgive me.”
What was more interesting was the look in Geom Mugeuk’s eyes, which remained relaxed even as he apologized. Just as Baek Jagang was not truly angry, Geom Mugeuk was not truly apologizing.
He was reading Baek Jagang’s mind precisely. Though this was only their second meeting, it was as if they had known each other for a long time.
“The reason it is difficult to believe my words is probably this. Did someone really try to devour the Sado Alliance? Even pushing aside the chief strategist? Is that not it?”
Now came the move Geom Mugeuk had been saving.
“Do you know this? Our cult, the Murim Alliance, and even the Pungcheon Cult beyond the borders suffered similar incidents.”
Baek Jagang, who had been maintaining his composure, sprang up from his taishi chair. This time, he could not hide his astonishment. What is this now? That emotion was plainly revealed on Baek Jagang’s face.
“There was such a hidden force. An organization plotting against the entirety of murim at the same time.”
To Baek Jagang, who could not possibly believe it, Geom Mugeuk told him what the greater problem was.
“Your problem, Alliance Leader, is not the fact that such a hidden force exists.”
“Then what is the problem?”
“The greater problem is that you have not received any reports whatsoever related to it. Why did Hyeok Sagun not report this to you?”
“!”
“There must be spies who reported it, so you should certainly be able to confirm the contents. If they were so thorough as to eliminate not only the spies who reported it but even the subordinate strategists as well, then secretly seek cooperation from our cult and the Murim Alliance. They will surely inform you of the facts officially.”
If that matter turned out to be true, it would be undeniable evidence that Hyeok Sagun was behind this incident. The mere fact that a strategist had not conveyed such an important matter was, in itself, a grave crime.
Baek Jagang immediately summoned the captain of the guard, Ingung, and gave him instructions through sound transmission. After receiving the order, Ingung vanished in an instant. When it came to handling matters, the Sado Alliance Leader did not hesitate in the slightest.
He had heard Geom Mugeuk’s words and ordered an investigation, but that did not mean he completely trusted Geom Mugeuk yet. This matter would decide not only his fate, but the fate of the Sado Alliance as well.
“Supposing your words are correct, and Hyeok Sagun is the head, then who is the body?”
“Hwang Seokgyeong, an instructor at the Sado Alliance Academy.”
Baek Jagang knew who Hwang Seokgyeong was. The fact that he knew the name of a mere instructor likely meant that the man was performing his duties that well.
“Then why did you not tell me that when we first met?”
Because it was a problem that had to be unraveled one piece at a time.
“He is an extremely dangerous man. I judged that it was right not to touch him rashly and to inform you when the time came.”
“And now the time has come?”
“At the very least, you are half-believing and half-doubting me now.”
Their gazes tangled in midair.
“This is why I cannot help suspecting you.”
“This is why you should trust me. Would someone like me have schemed in such an obvious way?”
It was only their second meeting, but Baek Jagang was agreeing with Geom Mugeuk’s words. He thought that if it were Geom Mugeuk, he would have been more meticulous.
“Strategist Hyeok will arrive soon.”
At last, the time for the three-way confrontation had come. The fact that the two of them had not been waiting here from the beginning was enough to guess that Baek Jagang’s trust in Bi Sain was not small.
“Ah! I would like to call my strategist too! I may speak well and look clever, but I am more on this side.”
As he said that, he tapped the Black Demon Sword at his waist.
Baek Jagang thought it was nothing more than pointless banter, but Geom Mugeuk was truly thinking of Gowol. From now on, he would have to win a war of words against the deputy strategist of the Sado Alliance.
A short while later, Hyeok Sagun entered.
Hyeok Sagun, who walked in calmly, paid his respects to Baek Jagang and then greeted Geom Mugeuk first.
“I am Hyeok Sagun, serving as deputy strategist.”
“I am Geom Mugeuk of the Divine Cult.”
Hyeok Sagun studied Geom Mugeuk closely, but it was impossible to discern anything from the outward appearance of Geom Mugeuk, who had reached Return to Simplicity.
“I have heard many rumors that the Young Cult Leader’s talent is exceptional.”
“Rumors tend to be exaggerated.”
“I do not think that is necessarily so. After committing such a deed, you still have the nerve to come to our alliance like this.”
“What deed are you saying I committed?”
“Did you not bewitch the Young Alliance Leader?”
Geom Mugeuk smiled and nodded.
“I admit it. He was a person I liked very much.”
“Then do you admit that the Divine Cult was involved behind this incident?”
“What does it matter to me whether that is so or not? However, if that were the case, would not the Young Alliance Leader, who barely escaped death, be far too wronged?”
“I know that the attack on the safe house was a self-directed play.”
“If, as you say, the Young Alliance Leader and I joined hands, why would we do such a thing? We would have quietly aimed for that person over there.”
“You tell me. Why did you do it?”
Baek Jagang sat in the center like a judge, watching the verbal battle between the two men.
“There is clear evidence that you people were involved.”
“I have evidence too.”
“What evidence?”
“The clear evidence you spoke of is my evidence.”
“What on earth does that mean?”
“If we had schemed this, there is no way such clear evidence would have emerged.”
Hyeok Sagun snorted.
“Do you think such absurd sophistry will work? You should produce evidence as well.”
“Very well. I will produce evidence.”
At those words, Hyeok Sagun grew inwardly tense. Could there really be evidence?
After heightening the tension as much as possible, Geom Mugeuk abruptly said,
“I saw it.”
“What?”
“I saw you scheming this.”
Because he had not expected Geom Mugeuk to point to him, Hyeok Sagun was inwardly greatly startled.
“Are you trying to frame me now?”
“I am not framing you. I am saying I saw you scheming this incident.”
With a smile, Hyeok Sagun looked at Baek Jagang and said,
“As you can see, the Young Cult Leader is forcing an unreasonable argument.”
At that moment, Geom Mugeuk struck at his opening.
“Why do you not ask? Under ordinary circumstances, should you not ask when and what I saw you scheming? Would an innocent person not usually ask that first? Or did you omit it because you already know what matter I am referring to?”
For an instant, Hyeok Sagun thought, Ah, damn it. He should have done exactly as Geom Mugeuk said, but he had been impatient.
“That is because it is not worth speaking of.”
Baek Jagang, who had been watching, said in a low voice,
“Your testimony cannot be evidence.”
When Baek Jagang took his side, Hyeok Sagun smiled faintly in triumph. As long as there was clear evidence, Baek Jagang would ultimately have no choice but to trust him. The more dazzling the demonic cult’s Young Cult Leader’s eloquence became, the greater the suspicion would grow.
“You should leave now. The only reason I am letting you live is because you are the Young Cult Leader. If you go any further here, then even your position as the Divine Cult’s Young Cult Leader will no longer protect you.”
“Very well. I will go.”
It seemed strange that he was giving up so easily.
“But even if I go, I will meet the people who are on their way before I leave.”
“Who is supposed to be coming?”
Then astonishing words flowed from Geom Mugeuk’s mouth.
“Our cult’s Demon Physician and the Poison King are on their way.”
Hyeok Sagun flinched. The Demon Physician was known to possess medical arts superior even to the divine physicians of the Sado Alliance or the Murim Alliance. And the Poison King as well?
“Although your chief strategist is said to have stepped down due to old age, I believe he fell ill because of poison. The Poison King and the Demon Physician will confirm it.”
“!”
In that instant, even Hyeok Sagun was shaken. Geom Mugeuk had struck at a point he had never imagined.
“Those two are on your side, so how can they be trusted?”
“Of course they are people of our cult. However, they are people who value their own honor more than anyone else.”
“If they received the Cult Leader’s order, they could lie.”
“That is for the Alliance Leader to judge.”
The gazes of both men turned toward Baek Jagang.
The person most astonished in that place was not Hyeok Sagun, but Baek Jagang.
When Geom Mugeuk said that the Poison King and the Demon Physician were coming, goosebumps rose around his ears. He had realized that Geom Mugeuk was lying.
As it turned out, Geom Mugeuk was someone his senses worked on. He could guess why Geom Mugeuk had lied just now. It must have been to drive Hyeok Sagun into a corner with the Demon Physician and the Poison King.
What shocked Baek Jagang was the fact that this was his first lie. If that was so, then?
—I truly consider the Young Alliance Leader my friend. I hope that friend safely inherits the position of Alliance Leader.
—I will wake my father as well. I will ask him to dream a different dream.
—Our murim will not fight one another or hate one another. We will play around on the beach, flirting with young ladies.
—There is a regular place I go to in front of our cult. If there is an opportunity next time, I would very much like to bring you there, Alliance Leader.
The words Geom Mugeuk had spoken flashed through his mind.
‘Everything he has said until now was sincere?’
Absolute Regression, Chapter 365