A cry of “Oops” involuntarily burst from Yang Seok’s mouth.
He was so startled he nearly cursed. Who could have imagined that Geom Mugeuk would be inside the carriage?
For a brief moment, silence hung in the air as if time had stopped.
“Why didn’t you contact me?”
At Geom Mugeuk’s question, Yang Seok made a belated excuse.
“Well… I only just found out myself. I didn’t have the leisure to contact you. I was planning to reach out immediately after I discovered it.”
So flustered was he that Yang Seok’s voice trembled and he even stuttered.
“But how did the Young Cult Leader know to come here?”
“How did I know?”
Looking at Geom Mugeuk asking back as if posing a riddle, Yang Seok understood.
*How else? He followed me. Damn! He must have been watching me because he couldn’t trust me.*
He himself was the one who had guided Geom Mugeuk to the Extreme Cold Physique.
*I should have been more careful.*
He had grown too excited after discovering the movement route.
Yang Seok wasn’t the only one surprised by Geom Mugeuk’s appearance.
Ha Gyeol, standing behind him, was even more surprised. Not because Geom Mugeuk was inside the carriage.
*They smuggled away the one with the Extreme Cold Physique.*
Something that should never have happened had occurred. No doubt about it—Chwi Ma had smuggled them away when the intoxicating energy spread earlier. He had to chase after Chwi Ma right now.
*They didn’t come this way. Behind that carriage. The opposite side.*
He strode toward the carriage. Pretending to approach Yang Seok, he planned to leap over the carriage in one breath and pursue Chwi Ma.
They would be escaping while carrying a person, so with luck, he might still catch them.
Whether it was the Young Cult Leader or Yang Seok, only the Extreme Cold Physique existed in Ha Gyeol’s mind at that moment.
Geom Mugeuk saw through his inner thoughts.
“You’re not going anywhere anyway. Don’t even try.”
The moment Geom Mugeuk’s warning fell, Ha Gyeol instead launched his body.
*Swish!*
Ha Gyeol’s qinggong, lightly stamping the ground and leaping, was excellent enough to disregard Geom Mugeuk’s warning.
Just as he was about to soar over the carriage in an instant—
*Boom!*
An explosive sound burst from the air, and Ha Gyeol plummeted as if crashing back down to his original spot.
Geom Mugeuk had blocked his path in an instant as if shifting through space and unleashed a palm strike.
Ha Gyeol’s left arm, which had blocked the attack, throbbed.
*He’s strong.*
This time, Yang Seok was more surprised than the struck Ha Gyeol. If Geom Mugeuk had broken through the carriage roof to block him, he wouldn’t have been this astonished.
But Geom Mugeuk had vanished in the blink of an eye and had somehow intercepted Ha Gyeol in the air above the carriage. When had he gotten out of the carriage and flown up?
Even if his martial arts were the lowest among the three here, wasn’t he still the heir to Bukhyeolmun? He had lost sight of Geom Mugeuk’s movement with his eyes wide open. It meant that if Geom Mugeuk had meant to kill him, he would have died without ever knowing why.
Geom Mugeuk, having sent Ha Gyeol back to his original spot, sat astride the carriage roof.
“Would it be fitting for a bodyguard to jump over the head of the person he serves?”
He wasn’t speaking about himself, but referring to Yang Seok standing beside the carriage.
Yang Seok shouted as if tattling.
“That man tried to kill me.”
He realized the time had finally come to execute the borrowed-knife murder scheme. Though the Extreme Cold Physique he had tried to smuggle away was gone, the opportunity to kill Ha Gyeol had arrived.
“Young Cult Leader! I humbly beseech you to teach that bastard the solemn lesson that in this martial world, there exists a strict hierarchy between superior and inferior!”
Ha Gyeol sneered coldly. He had saved him from dying to the Self-Destruction Technique, yet here the man was acting so shamelessly.
“I told you from the first time I saw you that you reeked of blood.”
At Geom Mugeuk’s leisure, Ha Gyeol fell into deep thought.
*It’s already too late.*
If an ordinary martial artist had taken the Extreme Cold Physique, that would be one thing, but if Chwi Ma had taken them, they would already be too far away to track.
He truly hadn’t imagined such a variable would occur. It was because he had let his guard down, assuming Geom Mugeuk and Chwi Ma were focused solely on Wonju’s death. Regardless, there was only one thing to do in this situation.
*I have to settle things with the Young Cult Leader and retrieve the Extreme Cold Physique.*
There were two methods. First, step back and slowly plan for another day. It was a safe and wise method, but the chances of finding the Extreme Cold Physique would grow increasingly slim with time.
The problem was his master.
*Will my master truly wait?*
His master was reaching the limits of his patience inside the water tank. If he reported that the Extreme Cold Physique had been stolen by Geom Mugeuk, the master would emerge from the water tank immediately.
*In the end, I must settle this right here.*
Could he really defeat this Young Cult Leader?
The move shown moments ago was truly no trivial matter. Furthermore, there was another problem.
He couldn’t recklessly kill this Demonic Cult Young Cult Leader. If he did, it would cause a bigger problem than failing to obtain the Extreme Cold Physique.
But the stronger one became, the harder it was to subdue someone rather than kill them.
While he was caught in conflict amid this vexing situation, Geom Mugeuk looked up at the sky from the carriage roof.
Time was on his side. He held the hilt of the knife too. He didn’t need to press first; he only needed to watch how his opponent moved and respond accordingly.
The biggest reason for ruining things even in an advantageous situation was failing to overcome impatience. Because one held the advantage, one felt victory was certain, that things would go even better. That simple desire to see good results faster.
Precisely because it was simple, that powerful desire had to be endured.
Because once one began to crumble in an advantageous situation, it became uncontrollable. Because one held the advantage, one grew more impatient, more frustrated, more furious. Moreover, the opponent would ride the momentum of turning the tables. In the end, everything would be ruined.
This was why the heavens existed—to look upon during times like this.
Watching Geom Mugeuk look up at the sky, Yang Seok felt a strange sensation.
“Don’t look at me. Look at the sky.”
“Ah, yes!”
Surprised by Geom Mugeuk’s words, Yang Seok looked up at the sky. But in this situation, there was no way the sky could catch his eye.
*Please kill him!*
Eliminate Ha Gyeol first and think later. He thought he was orchestrating a borrowed-knife murder scheme, failing to realize that he was now nothing more than a guide leading Geom Mugeuk to the Blood King.
Then the surrounding air began to change. Ha Gyeol revealed the intent he had kept hidden.
He completely unleashed the intent he had previously shown Yang Seok at only a quarter of its true extent.
His intent, hot yet heavy, began to dominate the surroundings. When he revealed his true form, he became a completely different person.
Truly, the smell of blood emanated from his intent.
At this terrifying intent, Yang Seok felt a fear that made him want to vomit. He had known Ha Gyeol was a master, but to think he was this strong!
*Could it be that the Young Cult Leader might lose?*
In truth, with his insight, he couldn’t tell who was stronger. It was simply that the presence Ha Gyeol revealed was that overwhelming.
What frightened Yang Seok wasn’t only that.
The Blood Men waiting some distance behind Ha Gyeol revealed themselves. Their number was seven. One could tell from their gazes and stances alone that they were masters, and all of them could use the Self-Destruction Technique.
Ha Gyeol asked Geom Mugeuk. The courteous tone he had maintained was also gone.
“Where is the person who was in the carriage?”
He had concluded that he would pressure the Young Cult Leader here and find the Extreme Cold Physique.
From his choice, Geom Mugeuk could tell for certain. The opponent needed the Extreme Cold Physique badly enough to reveal his full true form.
“I’m quite good at enduring the cold too, so how about taking me instead?”
A joke in this situation? Ha Gyeol’s gaze toward Geom Mugeuk grew even colder.
“You think I can’t kill you just because you’re the Demonic Cult Young Cult Leader?”
“No. You people are the type to kill even your own flesh and blood, aren’t you? If you could kill him, you’d probably try to kill my father too.”
At those words, Yang Seok standing beside him inwardly flinched. Because the one Geom Mugeuk spoke of—one who would kill even his own flesh and blood—was precisely himself.
Ha Gyeol asked Geom Mugeuk.
“What do you want?”
The fact that he had remained by the carriage meant he wanted something. Indeed, Geom Mugeuk had a purpose.
“Let me meet the person you serve.”
Ha Gyeol didn’t show it outwardly, but inwardly he was shaken.
*How does he know I have a master?*
For a moment, Yang Seok mistakenly thought that person was his father.
*Perhaps this is the opportunity.*
Now he entertained thoughts he shouldn’t without hesitation. The moment Ha Gyeol appeared here, he thought his father had completely abandoned him.
*Which side should I take?*
Learning that Ha Gyeol was such a tremendous master, he fell into worry.
Joining Ha Gyeol’s side wasn’t the worst choice either. Seeing how Ha Gyeol had saved him by even killing his subordinate at the very beginning, it seemed unlikely he would kill him.
*Should I join Ha Gyeol even now? No. What if he loses to the Young Cult Leader?*
He would be considered a traitor to the Young Cult Leader.
But soon Yang Seok came to this conclusion.
*At least they wouldn’t fight here, right?*
Think about it. With the precious status of a Demonic Cult Young Cult Leader, would he recklessly gamble his life? It wasn’t even directly related to the Demonic Cult.
But the situation did not unfold as he expected.
“If I refuse?”
Ha Gyeol had no intention of letting him meet his master.
Then Geom Mugeuk spoke calmly.
“Then the only reason to keep you alive will disappear.”
Ha Gyeol could feel that Geom Mugeuk’s words were no simple threat.
*He truly intends to kill me.*
Did that mean he had the confidence to do so?
Ha Gyeol raised his energy and surveyed the surroundings. He was checking if Chwi Ma had returned. But there was no one around. Geom Mugeuk meant to kill him alone.
He didn’t know what the outcome would be, but at least in spirit, he was confident he wouldn’t lose to Geom Mugeuk. No matter that he was the son of the Heavenly Demon—he was still too young. Even if he had inherited the Heavenly Demon’s martial arts and possessed internal energy beyond his years, experience was something he couldn’t compensate for.
Moreover, he had probably never experienced the blood techniques that Ha Gyeol had mastered.
*Very well.*
The Demonic Cult Young Cult Leader wouldn’t stake his life on the Extreme Cold Physique.
*If only I can subdue the Young Cult Leader!*
For his own survival, he would surely hand over the Extreme Cold Physique.
If—by any chance—Geom Mugeuk died in the process? Then he would have no choice but to shift the blame to the Lord of Bukhyeolmun. If he could only find the Extreme Cold Physique, it was worth trying.
“Our Young Cult Leader needs to have a taste of blood.”
Seven Blood Men stepped forward.
Red energy flowed from the swords they simultaneously drew. Masters capable of wielding blood qi like sword qi.
Ha Gyeol estimated that with their combined attack, they might not kill Geom Mugeuk, but could at least wound him. If luck was on his side, he might even find an opportunity to subdue Geom Mugeuk in the process.
He truly thought so, but—
In a flash, Geom Mugeuk charged at the Blood Man on the left with Flicker Step.
*Swish! Slash!*
The sound of a gust of wind and the sound of a neck bone being severed rang out simultaneously. It couldn’t be blocked.
Before the attack of Geom Mugeuk, who appeared in a flash, could even be transmitted to instinct or mind, the blade was already passing through the neck. It was truly overwhelming speed.
The Blood Man closest to him reflexively swung his sword, but the blade only cut empty air. Yet he paid a massive price for that miss.
Before the second Blood Man, stabbed through the heart, could even collapse to the ground, Geom Mugeuk was already performing Shadow Step.
Just when he seemed to vanish before everyone’s eyes, Geom Mugeuk revealed himself between the two Blood Men standing in the center.
*Stab! Stab! Stab! Stab!*
Geom Mugeuk consecutively pierced the necks and hearts of the two Blood Men to his left and right. Once to the left heart, once to the right neck, once to the left neck, once to the right heart.
Those four attacks were so fast they couldn’t be seen with the eye.
The two Blood Men collapsed on the spot, and right at the moment when the fifth Blood Man’s face and body turned red to use the Self-Destruction Technique—
*BOOM!*
The one who fell from the blood qi was another Blood Man.
Geom Mugeuk had instantly subdued the Blood Man using the Self-Destruction Technique and spun him around like a doll, pointing his body toward another Blood Man.
The sixth Blood Man fell victim to the Self-Destruction Technique. The blood qi emitted by the Self-Destruction Technique was a power even they themselves could not avoid or block.
The seventh Blood Man also tried to use the Self-Destruction Technique. But this time, Geom Mugeuk was one step faster.
*Stabstabstabstabstab!*
The Black Demon Sword pierced his entire body in succession. The moment all his major meridians were severed in an instant, his reddened face returned to its original color. Geom Mugeuk’s sword had been faster than the speed at which the Self-Destruction Technique could be unleashed.
Thus, in the blink of an eye, all seven had become corpses.
Yang Seok trembled with his eyes wide open. He had experienced actual combat many times before and had watched others fight on numerous occasions.
And now he thought: The fights he had had until now weren’t even fights.
Geom Mugeuk shook off the blood on his sword. *Shwaaa.* Blood sprayed in a straight line on the ground.
“The taste of blood is rather lacking, no?”
Ha Gyeol’s expression had completely stiffened. He had known the Demonic Cult Young Cult Leader would be strong. But this strong?
He had boasted of showing the taste of blood, but it seemed he himself had tasted Geom Mugeuk’s blood.
“As expected, it’s the Nine Transformations Demonic Art.”
He had naturally assumed it was the Heavenly Demon’s martial art. Since he had never seen it before.
“It’s not the Nine Transformations Demonic Art. Could you be overestimating yourselves? Did you think I would need the Nine Transformations Demonic Art to deal with a mere handful of your subordinates?”
“His strength is at this level without even using his unique martial art?”
Ha Gyeol’s shock was natural. They weren’t ordinary subordinates. He didn’t know how much time and effort it had taken to raise those seven. They weren’t men who should have died like this.
“If you want to see the Nine Transformations Demonic Art, have your leader guide me to him.”
If those words were true, he felt he couldn’t defeat Geom Mugeuk. Of course, it could be a bluff. A ploy to instill fear and seize the upper hand.
Regardless, unless he spoke about his master, Geom Mugeuk wouldn’t let him go alive. But even if it meant dying, he had no intention of revealing his master.
Ha Gyeol drew his sword. A stream of red energy flowed along the blade. A strength of a completely different dimension from what had flowed in his subordinates’ swords could be felt.
“Whether it was the Nine Transformations Demonic Art or not, I shall confirm it myself.”
Through the cold gaze directed at him and the hot blood qi swirling around, Geom Mugeuk understood. That Ha Gyeol had resolved to die.
“Then I’ll show you just a small taste.”
From Geom Mugeuk’s mouth flowed a question that Ha Gyeol could not understand.
“Which direction do you like among east, west, south, and north?”