Geom Mugeuk was seeing it for the first time.
The sight of Baek Jagang's eyes widening. Of course, even widened, they were still small.
'Is that the best you can do, Alliance Lord?'
Whether it was Bi Sain or the Sado Alliance Lord. They were people whose outstanding individual personalities felt remarkably cool. Because those small eyes only grew more charming the more one looked at them.
"Did you say that regular tavern is in front of the Divine Cult?"
"It is in Magachon."
"You wish to take me there?"
"Yes."
Baek Jagang, who had been staring at Geom Mugeuk for a moment, looked at Bi Sain.
Before the Alliance Lord could say anything, Bi Sain sighed and spoke.
"He's serious. He was already this kind of crazy person."
Still, Bi Sain had used the word "person" instead of "bastard."
Baek Jagang asked again.
"Was this what you wanted to ask from the beginning?"
"Yes."
"Perhaps was this your goal? To lure me to the Divine Cult and kill me?"
Geom Mugeuk smiled. In Baek Jagang's mind, he was already surrounded by the Palma Jon at the tavern in front of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, being attacked by a combined assault.
"No. I have absolutely no intention of harming the Alliance Lord."
A shiver did not run down Baek Jagang's neck.
Yes, if that had been the purpose, the Poison King would not have detoxified Hwangcheon earlier.
"What is the reason for taking me all the way to the Divine Cult?"
"Did I not tell you? Because I wish to treat you to a drink there."
"Could you not simply buy the drink here?"
"The owner's cooking there is very good. The tavern atmosphere is good as well."
"Speak honestly. What is this for?"
After a brief pause, Geom Mugeuk answered.
"Because I wish for you to meet my father."
No matter how unofficial the matter, if the Sado Alliance Lord has come all the way to the main cult's entrance, would the Heavenly Demon simply remain idle? His father would undoubtedly come out to the tavern to meet the Sado Alliance Lord.
"With your father? Why?"
"There are two reasons. First, because of this recent conspiracy. They targeted the Sado Alliance's Young Alliance Lord and the Martial Alliance Lord's grandson, as well as our cult's Soul-Devouring Demon Lord. With such individuals active in the shadows, I believe it would be meaningful for the two of you to meet."
Baek Jagang nodded. It was a valid point, but there was no need to meet in person. They could exchange letters or share intelligence at a military officers' level. He had a feeling that the reason Geom Mugeuk wished to take him there was the second reason.
"The second reason?"
Then came Geom Mugeuk's true feelings.
"I hope that when the two of you meet, you become close. I somehow feel you would get along well."
Because he wished for his father and the Sado Alliance Lord to move away from the dream of Murim unification. Countless lives hung upon a single toast between the two.
Baek Jagang looked at Geom Mugeuk with an expression that said he simply could not understand.
"You say that reason is better than a Murim secret treasure or a thousand-year spirit medicine?"
"Yes, it is better. Of course, I know all too well that this is not a matter to be decided lightly."
He had brought it up lightly, but it was by no means a light matter. It was a matter of the Sado Alliance Lord moving to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Just considering the escort alone—should he bring only a small number of experts? Or a large-scale force?
"Are you saying this with your father's permission?"
"To be honest, I have not yet received it. However, this is not something that requires permission. It is a matter of me personally treating the Alliance Lord to a drink."
If this matter were handled officially, his father would not permit it. He disliked the Sado Alliance and the Sado Alliance Lord alike. Though the same could surely be said of the Martial Alliance Lord.
In any case, even without permission, he could make the meeting happen.
Baek Jagang began to walk again.
Walking briefly lost in thought, he stopped.
"Very well. Let us suppose I go. Would the Martial Alliance simply stand by? They would think the Divine Cult and the main alliance are conspiring together."
"I will take responsibility and ensure there is no misunderstanding."
"How?"
"I will go to the Martial Alliance Lord and tell him directly. That I arranged this meeting for such and such reasons. Please do not misunderstand."
Baek Jagang knew that Geom Mugeuk was speaking from the heart.
'Perhaps if it's this fellow?'
He thought that perhaps Geom Mugeuk could calm the Martial Alliance.
Before he knew it, he was thinking such thoughts. He had been a man who prided himself on scoffing at the idea of being captivated by a young fellow.
Just then, the carriage for the Alliance Lord arrived.
"I shall see you at the alliance later."
As if he had things to ponder alone, Baek Jagang left first with his escorts without taking the two. The martial artists of the Geukdo Legion escorted the children and followed, and Gwiaekdo left the place promising to meet again.
Now only Geom Mugeuk, Bi Sain, and the Sado Thirteen Wolves remained.
The two walked slowly, and the Sado Thirteen Wolves scattered far in all directions, escorting the two as they walked.
To Bi Sain, the events of fighting the Tu Wang felt like a dream. But as if telling him not to even think of that past villain, Geom Mugeuk threw a new problem at him.
Since he had not known Geom Mugeuk for merely a day or two, it was not strange at all that he had made such a request to the Alliance Lord. However, there was one thing that worried him.
"What are you going to do if the two fight when they meet? No one would be able to stop them. Are you not afraid?"
Instead of answering, Geom Mugeuk asked,
"Do you trust your master?"
"Of course I trust him."
"I trust my father as well. Therefore, there will be no fight."
He was saying to trust the adults. But were they ordinary adults?
Even if a fight broke out, it would be fine. Rather, Geom Mugeuk even wished that the two would exchange blows. Because the bond that formed between martial artists through fighting could not be ignored.
As Bi Sain nodded silently, Geom Mugeuk asked with suspicious eyes,
"Why are you accepting my words so readily? It's unsettling."
"It is my period of acceptance."
"Is there such a period?"
"There is. And it is all something I learned from you. That it is not knowing nothing which harms one's pride, but not making the effort to correct it."
Bi Sain had changed greatly, as could be seen from how readily he admitted this. Perhaps because he was still young, Bi Sain had a stronger desire for learning and change than anyone Geom Mugeuk had ever met.
As if he had just thought of something, Bi Sain asked again,
"By the way, what was it you wanted to ask of me? Were you going to ask me to come to the tavern as well?"
"No. If the Alliance Lord permits it, you will follow along anyway. Why would I bother asking?"
Geom Mugeuk's request was as unexpected as the one he had made to Baek Jagang.
"Please let me take just one thing I want from the Sado Alliance treasury."
Bi Sain opened his eyes wide and stopped walking.
"Why so surprised? For saving your life, is it not natural to request at least that much?"
"Of course."
"Were you disappointed? That I would show such greed? That I should have made a request to deepen our friendship instead?"
"That is not it."
"Rather than nursing lingering regrets, I intend to become an incarnation of greed for a brief moment right now."
Bi Sain walked in silence for a moment. Then he stopped and revealed his true feelings.
"Honestly, rather than disappointed, I was bewildered. I thought you would ask for something else. If you were me, how would you react in this situation?"
Geom Mugeuk smiled subtly, thought for a moment, then gave his answer.
"I would say this: Very well, I shall give you a gift from the secret vault. Is there anything else you want besides that?"
That he would ask what more he wanted?
"If you answered that you wanted more treasure?"
"Very well, I shall give you that as well. Is there anything else you want? I would keep asking like this. I would keep asking until the answer I want comes out. If you have a conscience, you will speak. Until then, I would give you even ten treasures."
"Is there a reason you must do so?"
"Because we are friends."
Bi Sain's eyes narrowed as he asked suspiciously,
"Are you aiming for ten treasures of the main alliance right now?"
"You noticed?"
Bi Sain's rough face, which had formed a dumbfounded expression, relaxed slightly.
"Did I not tell you? I am not such a great person. I am greedy and look after my own interests first. Since I am that kind of person, do not hold any preconceptions or illusions."
Bi Sain could feel it. It was as if Geom Mugeuk was saying this to him:
"Shatter the illusions between people, friend. Only then will it last."
In fact, Bi Sain could not know, but there was a separate reason Geom Mugeuk wanted to enter the treasury.
It was because of the Bigwe.
Because of the hope that perhaps there might be an artifact in the Sado Alliance treasury that the Bigwe could absorb. Because if not for this opportunity, there would never be a chance to enter the Sado Alliance treasury.
"You are truly a man one can never figure out."
"You will know in just a little while. That I am a person easier to understand than you. Do not ignore me then just because the sense of mystery has faded."
A brief gust of wind blew, not cold but warm.
"The weather has warmed greatly. At this rate, spring will arrive before we know it."
As he spoke, Geom Mugeuk looked up at the sky. Bi Sain looked up at the sky as well, following Geom Mugeuk. Even though he tried to look often, he kept forgetting to look up.
"What kind of place is your regular tavern?"
"A place with good liquor, a good owner, and good patrons. You would like it as well. Perhaps you might even come to drink there every day."
"Is it not too far to go for a drink?"
"Train your lightness skill diligently."
Not only the two of them, but also the Sado Thirteen Wolves who accompanied them stood there looking up at the sky for a long while.
* * *
After returning to the Sado Alliance, the two went straight to the Alliance Lord Pavilion.
"I shall go receive the Alliance Lord's permission, so wait here."
No matter how much he was the Young Alliance Lord, he could not freely enter the Sado Alliance treasury.
"Please get permission even if you have to force it."
Bi Sain answered as he walked toward the Alliance Lord Pavilion.
"At times like this, one should say not to overdo it."
"I want to go in so badly! I want to obtain it so badly! Please! Put all your friendship to use!"
Bi Sain, who had been walking, pretended to cover his ears.
After sending Bi Sain off, Geom Mugeuk looked at the steel wolf erected in the corridor. It looked exactly like the blue wolf that had appeared when Baek Jagang displayed his martial arts.
As he was looking at it briefly, someone revealed themselves by undoing their concealment.
"You are looking at the wolf again."
He was none other than Ingung, captain of the Sado Alliance guard.
"I am strangely drawn to this fellow."
To the extent that he wanted to say the thing he desired was this wolf statue. Of course, that was impossible.
"I am grateful for this time."
Ingung expressed his gratitude to Geom Mugeuk. He had revealed himself to offer this greeting.
"Not at all. You must have had a hard time, Captain."
Though it had not shown outwardly, they had fought the most arduous battle this time. Because they had been prepared to throw themselves in while concealed if the Alliance Lord fell into danger. The mental exhaustion had been enormous.
Therefore, those who felt the greatest gratitude toward Geom Mugeuk and the Poison King were Ingung and the guards. Because they were ones who existed solely to save the Alliance Lord.
Just then, at the far end of the corridor, the door to the Alliance Lord Pavilion opened and Bi Sain walked out. He had come out faster than expected. Either permission had been granted readily, or he had been refused at once—it had to be one of the two.
"Then I shall take my leave."
Ingung concealed himself silently.
Bi Sain walked up to Geom Mugeuk and spoke confidently.
"Let us go. Permission granted."
"As expected!"
"If you say even one word, I will cancel it."
Geom Mugeuk covered his mouth with his hand and laughed.
The two left the Alliance Lord Pavilion. Walking side by side through the inner courtyard, Geom Mugeuk asked cautiously,
"Were you not scolded?"
"I was scolded."
"Give me a blindfold. I shall cover my eyes tight and go."
"What would you do if I pushed you into a trap like that?"
"You would push?"
"If I push, it would be off a cliff. A cliff about ten thousand zhang high."
The two arrived at the treasury.
Along the way, they passed through several heavily guarded gates. Only after passing hidden experts, perilous mechanisms, and mysterious formations could they finally reach the treasury.
He had not blindfolded him along the way. Bi Sain knew well that for an expert of Geom Mugeuk's level, covering his eyes was meaningless.
"I am not trying to boast, but even I have never freely chosen from here before."
“I truly am grateful. I know I was given this opportunity because you held me in high regard. I doubt I’ll ever forget this gratitude for as long as I live. I probably won’t be able to sleep for a while. If I have children someday, I’ll be sure to tell them. You know your father’s friend, Alliance Leader Bi? When he was young, you see……”
“Enough! I’m sorry. I did show off a little.”
With an expression that seemed to say, Good grief, I should never have opened my mouth, Bi Sain stepped inside first.
All manner of treasures were there.
Peerless secret manuals that would send bloody storms sweeping through the martial world, famed swords whose names anyone would know, protective armor close to immortal in quality. It was truly filled with dazzling treasures.
The two walked together, slowly looking over the items on display.
“Once you become Alliance Leader, all of this will be yours, won’t it? I suppose I should try harder to stay in your good graces from now on.”
“If someone heard you, they’d think the Divine Cult had no treasury of its own. You must have an even greater one. If I asked you to trade it for ours, would you or wouldn’t you?”
“……I wouldn’t.”
“And yet you make such a fuss!”
As he looked around, Geom Mugeuk felt a hot, sweltering heat.
‘This place is preparing for war too.’
It was the same as the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Weapons, protective armor, and elixirs to be distributed to martial artists once war broke out were neatly arranged. The Sado Alliance was clearly preparing for that day as well.
“The Alliance Leader must have been truly grateful to you. He is not someone who would ever allow an outsider into this place.”
“It must be because of you.”
“Why because of me?”
“Because he wants to keep the promise he made with me.”
Was that truly the reason?
Bi Sain could not be certain. He still did not fully understand the Alliance Leader’s heart. Even so, at the very least, he wished that was the reason. And Geom Mugeuk was the only person who understood that wish. He no longer doubted him. He knew such words were Geom Mugeuk’s consideration.
Geom Mugeuk passed by the secret manuals, famed swords, protective armor, and elixirs without pause.
Geom Mugeuk did not focus on his own greed. He focused on Bigwe’s desire.
‘Bigwe, this is our one and only chance, so hurry and choose.’
But even as they passed all sorts of rare and precious objects, Bigwe showed no response.
“Is there anywhere else?”
“There’s an area where we keep things less valuable than these.”
“Let’s see that too.”
“Are you looking for something in particular?”
“I’m looking for something that strongly draws my heart. It isn’t here.”
And so they looked around the other area as well. Compared to the treasury they had been shown first, the items were indeed less precious.
“If it were me, I would have only shown you this place.”
Joking like that, Geom Mugeuk calmly looked through the second area as well. Here, there were more ordinary jewels and ornaments than weapons, treasure garments, or elixirs.
The farther they went into the corners, the less valuable the stored items became. In that way, the two of them walked almost all the way to the end.
Just as he was about to give up, thinking the Sado Alliance likely did not have it—
Wooong!
Bigwe reacted.