Samamyeong was commanding the situation from the Tongcheongak Command Room.
Whenever the Young Cult Lord departed from the cult, Tongcheongak would be placed on high alert.
But this time was even more special. Never before had he left leading four Demon Lords and even the Demon Army. Furthermore, it was the largest procession, with the Ghost Shadow Corps and guard warriors all deployed.
A military officer came and reported on the Young Cult Lord's movements.
"The Young Cult Lord has finally entered Hunan."
This time, the Young Cult Lord's destination was Dongting Lake, located in northern Hunan.
On the map of the Central Plains, Geommugeuk's flag was moved from Guizhou to Hunan.
Soma (Little Demon).
Beside the Young Cult Lord's flag representing Geommugeuk, the Demon Lord banners were placed together.
On the golden flag was written the character for Buddha (佛), and on the snow-white flag was written the character for Smile (笑). On the purple flag was the character for Soul (魂), and on the sky-blue flag was the character for Wine (酒).
The Demon Lord banners symbolizing the four Demon Lords were clustered around Geommugeuk's flag at the center, and beside them was placed the Demon Army Banner symbolizing the Demon Army. There was also the Ghost Shadow Corps flag, slightly smaller than the Demon Army Banner, inscribed with the character for Shadow (影).
Then another officer came and reported.
"The Martial Alliance has requested to be informed of the purpose of this departure from the cult."
The reason the Martial Alliance had reacted before the Four Paths Alliance was that Hubei, where the Martial Alliance was located, was not far from Hunan.
Originally, they should have been informed that the Heavenly Flower Tower Lord was going to meet the Holy Maiden Palace Lord.
"Do not respond."
"Yes."
Samamyeong recognized the importance of this matter.
It was natural that Geommugeuk might go out with four Demon Lords, as he was close to them. But taking even the Demon Army meant that a great battle could break out this time.
Since it was a decision made by none other than Geommugeuk, it had to be taken as a dangerous situation.
In such a situation, if even a single drop of information about this matter leaked to the Martial Alliance or the Four Paths Alliance, it could greatly hinder Geommugeuk's mission.
Their non-response would no doubt strain relations with the Martial Alliance, but it was an unavoidable choice.
Then another officer came and reported.
"Officer Gowol of Eunwol requests an audience."
"Bring him in."
A visit from Gowol at a time like this? He had a premonition that something was amiss.
Shortly after, Gowol entered, guided by a Tongcheongak officer.
Only an extreme minority within the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult could enter the Tongcheongak Command Room, but Samamyeong had specially permitted Gowol to come and go.
Naturally, when organizations of similar nature existed, they were bound to compete with one another.
However, Eunwol claimed the role of thoroughly supporting Tongcheongak. All merits gained through information were passed to Tongcheongak. It was as though Eunwol of the Young Cult Lord were supporting Tongcheongak of the Cult Lord.
Because of that, there had been no conflict whatsoever between the two organizations until now.
"I greet the Chief Strategist."
"Welcome, Officer Gowol."
The two exchanged pleasant greetings. It was a meeting between the Chief Strategist of the current Cult Lord and the person who would become the Chief Strategist of the next Cult Lord.
Gowol glanced around the interior for a moment and felt the busy fervor of the Tongcheongak officers.
"Come, let's go in and have a cup of tea."
Samamyeong led Gowol into his office. Samamyeong personally brewed tea and asked,
"How have you been lately? Busy?"
With the Young Cult Lord's departure from the cult, the mental burden must be indescribable.
"I decided not to worry about the Young Cult Lord. If I treated him like an ordinary person, I wouldn't be able to endure it."
Samamyeong smiled at Gowol's words. How could he not understand that sentiment? He himself had thought countless times how fortunate he was to serve Geomujin rather than Geommugeuk.
The two sat facing each other and drank tea. After savoring a sip, Gowol immediately got to the main point.
"You are a busy man, so I will speak directly."
Gowol's gaze turned to the map of the Central Plains visible through the office window. The countless flags planted upon it.
He had naturally expected Gowol's gaze to turn toward where Geommugeuk was.
But the place Gowol's gaze turned toward was the main stronghold of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
The largest and most splendid flag of the Cult Lord.
Ma (Demon).
Beside it, two Demon Lord banners.
On the green flag was written the character for Poison (毒), and on the black flag was written the character for Fist (拳) in white letters.
On the gray flag symbolizing the Wind Heaven Cult Lord was written the character for Wind (風), and beside it, one new flag.
Gunhak (Flock of Cranes).
"What do you think when you see those flags?"
Samamyeong could not understand what Gowol meant by asking this.
As if he had not asked expecting an answer, Gowol continued speaking.
"Looking at those flags, this is what I thought."
Unexpected words flowed from Gowol.
"The balance is well maintained."
Hearing those words, Samamyeong looked at the flags again and found them indeed reasonable.
In return for only two Demon Lords remaining within the cult, there were the Wind Heaven Cult Lord and Akgunhak. They were both individuals possessing strength at the Demon Lord level or above, and the two remaining Demon Lords were the strongest—the Fist Demon and the Poison King.
Gowol looked at Samamyeong and asked.
"Why would the Young Cult Lord have arranged this balance?"
"You mean the Young Cult Lord intended this?"
If so, there was one thing it meant.
Samamyeong started in surprise and asked with a face that said, 'It couldn't be.'
"Surely not? You think our headquarters could be attacked?"
Then an astonishing reply flowed from Gowol's mouth.
"I believe so."
Samamyeong's expression hardened.
"It is a conclusion drawn after seeing how the Young Cult Lord arranged the main stronghold. Originally, their plan might have been to draw out the Young Cult Lord and the Demon Lords, then strike the empty headquarters. I thought that the Young Cult Lord might have foreseen this and thus arranged this balance."
Samamyeong was silent for a moment.
He had certainly recognized that this matter was important.
But he had not considered even the slightest possibility that the headquarters of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult would be attacked.
Precisely because it seemed absurd, he thought that he might have let his guard down.
"I felt I had to convey this thought to the Chief Strategist."
Under normal circumstances, he would have ended it with a mere "Thank you for telling me."
But Samamyeong knew better than anyone how excellently Gowol had developed the organization called Eunwol. So he asked.
"What would you have done?"
Gowol replied calmly.
"If it were me, I would have lit the Demon Flame."
"!"
Samamyeong was startled when the Demon Flame was mentioned.
Lighting the Demon Flame symbolically meant issuing a total emergency order for the main stronghold.
Once the Demon Flame was lit, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult would enter a state of war. All cult members would assume emergency readiness, and all mechanisms and formations would begin operating at maximum capacity.
The main stronghold of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult would truly transform into an impregnable fortress. It was an undertaking that required enormous manpower and vast wealth.
"Is there a reason you worry to this extent? It doesn't seem to be merely because of that balance."
Indeed it was. And the decisive reason lay with Geommugeuk.
"From the first time I met the Young Cult Lord, I saw him exercise caution and prepare to an excessive degree against great dangers approaching."
Samamyeong had felt the same. He had wondered many times: why would someone so outstanding strive so hard and seek to become stronger? Especially since he was not someone with desire for power or ostentation.
"I believe the Young Cult Lord senses dangers that we cannot feel."
"!"
"If I am to read my lord's heart and act as a military officer, I believe that time is now."
A brief silence flowed between the two. If Gowol had come this far to say this, it was surely advice that must not be taken lightly.
"To light the Demon Flame, we need the Cult Lord's permission. He will never permit it."
If all the Demon Lords were present, he might allow it.
But if most of the Demon Lords were absent and they asked to light the Demon Flame?
That prideful Cult Lord would never accept it.
Gowol had expected as much.
"Then you and I must persuade him, sir. Is that not our duty? I will help you."
For him, not a Tongcheongak officer, to step before the Cult Lord over such a matter meant staking his life. That was how seriously he took this matter.
Samamyeong shook his head.
"Save that courage to display before your own Cult Lord later."
Samamyeong rose from his seat.
"My Cult Lord is mine to persuade."
* * *
The Sword King was silently staring at the wall.
The writings of astonishing people inscribed on the wall.
It was the second floor of the Fengliu Tavern. When he said he was a friend of Geommugeuk, Jochunbae yielded him this floor. On the table, untouched liquor and side dishes were laid out.
Had he not known that this was Geommugeuk's regular tavern, he would have thought the writings were pranks or forgeries.
Then someone walked up. Surprisingly, it was Geomujin.
"I greet the Cult Lord."
The Sword King politely greeted Geomujin.
Geomujin lightly nodded in acknowledgment.
Having finished greeting, the Sword King put on the shoes he had been wearing at his waist.
"If it's more comfortable to keep them off, leave them off."
"It's fine."
The Sword King put on his shoes.
Geomujin slowly walked over and stood beside the Sword King. His gaze turned to the writings of the Martial Alliance Lord and the Four Paths Alliance Lord.
"You have truly accomplished an amazing thing."
"You know well it is not something I did?"
The Sword King smiled faintly and said again,
"You have a remarkable son."
The very fact that he was conversing with the Cult Lord like this was thanks to that remarkable son. That he had received a precious gift from the Cult Lord was also thanks to that son.
"The sword you bestowed upon me is truly excellent."
The Sword King now wore the White Flower Sword instead of an iron sword.
"I'm glad it suits you."
"May I ask why you bestowed such a precious sword upon me?"
Bestowing such a magnificent sword surely meant there was something desired in return.
When a conflict with his son arose, to ask him to persuade the son?
He thought that might be the case. After all, even this Cult Lord would not find it easy to face that remarkable son.
But the Sword King's expectation was completely off the mark.
"Stand by that child's side later."
"!"
The Sword King looked at Geomujin with a surprised expression.
"That child will surely have a hard time."
From those words, the Sword King understood.
That the Cult Lord sincerely cared for his son and was certain that he would one day come to stand against him.
'The Cult Lord truly intends to unify the martial arts world.'
The Sword King hesitated to answer. Whether he unified the martial world or not was none of his concern. The issue was Geommugeuk.
To answer that he would do so was to make a promise with the Cult Lord.
Would he truly remain by Geommugeuk's side until then? If he made the promise, he would have to stay.
Geomujin did not press him for an answer. Rather, he felt favorable toward his cautious demeanor.
How long had he agonized? The Sword King answered calmly.
"Yes, I shall."
It was a brief answer, but a look of satisfaction crossed Geomujin's face.
"Have a drink with me."
Clink.
The Sword King respectfully received the liquor and drank it down.
Geomujin likewise drank the liquor the Sword King poured for him. It was a drink of promise.
After sharing the drink, Geomujin wordlessly left that place.
Watching his retreating figure, the Sword King let out a light sigh and looked down at the sword and shoes at his waist.
"This is why one shouldn't accept gifts rashly."
Damn these father and son!
* * *
When Geomujin returned to his quarters, Samamyeong was waiting.
"What brings you here?"
Samamyeong said with a smile,
"I wished to enjoy a quiet conversation with the Cult Lord after a long time, so I came to visit."
"Very well, come in."
And so the two sat facing each other with a baduk board between them. It was the very board Geommugeuk had made and given as a gift.
Clack, clack.
A few remarks about how excellent the board and stones were were exchanged, and then only the sound of stones being placed could be heard. Samamyeong focused silently on the game, as if he had truly come just to play.
In the midst of their exchange, Samamyeong deeply invaded Geomujin's territory.
"That is an unusually bold move for you."
It was a move so deep an invasion that surviving would be difficult.
"Do you have the confidence to survive after entering so deep into my thick territory?"
"If this move has struck the Cult Lord's weak point, will not a way somehow present itself?"
Geomujin, quietly observing the board, said something unexpected.
"You are worried too."
"!"
Samamyeong raised his head and looked at Geomujin. The Cult Lord had guessed from that single move why he had come.
"I suppose I grow more worried with age."
Geomujin continued to look at the board.
"The lad came to see me before he left the cult. He said he was leaving with the Demon Lords, so I told him to take them all. But he made this and that excuse and left the Poison King and Fist Demon behind."
A smirk formed on Geomujin's lips. That smile fully revealed an emotion of 'How impudent of him to worry about his father?'
Geomujin picked up a baduk stone.
Samamyeong naturally expected him to respond to his move that had jumped into his territory.
"I will not respond to this move of yours and will pull back."
Though not said aloud, it was as if he meant he would not light the Demon Flame.
"Accepting this unreasonable move would wound your pride, would it not?"
He had naturally thought it was because of pride.
"It is not because of that."
Clack.
Geomujin added a move to the fight in the center.
"If I respond there and suffer a loss, would it not become disadvantageous for the fight on this side?"
"!"
Samamyeong understood the meaning contained in that single move.
If the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult's main stronghold became an impregnable fortress, the enemy would eventually concentrate all their strength on the Young Cult Lord.
Geomujin had revealed his intention to draw the enemies here for his son's sake. The Cult Lord was revealing his heart through the game of baduk.
Don't touch my son. Come to me.
Samamyeong, who had been silently gazing at Geomujin, looked down at the board again.
"Because I pulled back and made an overplay, the fight in the center has grown difficult."
Samamyeong felt his heart grow hot.
That's right. The Cult Lord is not one to avoid a fight.
What mattered was that the Cult Lord was not letting his guard down.
And he knew better than anyone just how frightening the Cult Lord was when he was not careless.
When Samamyeong added another move to save his previously placed stones, Geomujin ruthlessly cut between two stones and began the fight.
Clack!
"Our guests must be met by us."