A gust of wind blew, signaling the arrival of a new fate.

Countless thoughts flashed through Bisa-in’s mind.

The first was suspicion.

What if all this was a trap set by the demonic sect to devour them?

But he quickly dismissed that thought.

No one else, perhaps, but he knew that Geom Mugeuk—the one he had experienced—was not the kind to pull such tricks.

“You don’t need to intervene directly. Just do one thing for me.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“If I eliminate Yalyulhan, treat it as if you were the one who did it.”

Bisa-in was taken aback. He never expected such a request for help.

“Why make such a request?”

“Obviously, I hope no war breaks out between our sect and the Satan Alliance.”

A war between the demonic sect and the Satan Alliance.

Bisa-in had imagined war with the Murim Alliance before, but never war with the demonic sect. Considering the strength, the Satan Alliance would be destroyed. Of course, the demonic sect would suffer huge losses as well. And the Murim Alliance would never miss such an opportunity.

“Leave Yalyulhan’s death to the demonic sect?”

The pride of killing with borrowed blades was less appealing than the discomfort of letting an enemy be killed by others rather than his own hand. His pride was hurt. If anyone was to kill him, it should be himself.

Hiding this feeling, Bisa-in expressed difficulty for another reason.

“The current leader will never believe I was the one who killed him.”

“You can make him believe it. At least, you can smooth over this matter.”

Geom Mugeuk was not speaking lightly—he believed in Bisa-in’s ability and potential.

After a brief pause, Bisa-in asked.

“Can you eliminate Yalyulhan?”

“That’s for me to handle.”

Geom Mugeuk’s gaze turned toward the Satan Alliance. Torches lit perfectly guarded the night of the Satan Alliance.

“For you or me, taking that place won’t be easy. Those in power already hate change and don’t trust us. We cannot take it without effort. If we take it easily, it will be easily taken from us.”

After some thought, Bisa-in spoke firmly.

“I refuse. Even if I eliminate him, it will be by my own hand.”

Turning, Bisa-in walked away. Geom Mugeuk called after him.

“If you change your mind, come here at midnight. I’ll be here every day.”

Bisa-in disappeared silently into the darkness.

“How is the reaction at the leader’s hall?”

Asked Yalyulhan, and Chahwan answered.

“It’s quiet.”

Yalyulhan kept no soldiers. He made all decisions himself. When asked why he had no soldiers, he answered that he didn’t see the need since he had done well without them. Though arrogant, this made his followers inside the Satan Alliance grow.

“The deaths of Jisaeng and Aecha have caused major disruptions to income. Others can take over the immortal herbs business Jisaeng handled, but the problem is the mad rage drug made by Aecha and the True Poison Master. Since the True Poison Master died, production stopped. Why didn’t you get the recipe from him earlier?”

Chahwan couldn’t understand. While Aecha’s case was unclear, Yalyulhan surely would have obtained it. The True Poison Master feared Yalyulhan greatly.

“If I had, what would you have thought?”

“That you were thorough and meticulous.”

Yalyulhan stared coldly at Chahwan, who sensed his answer was wrong.

“A leader who steals from his subordinates can never be the best leader.”

Chahwan showed a look of admiration, revealing how much he respected Yalyulhan, though Yalyulhan considered this habitual admiration shallow.

Easy to admire. Easy to respect. Yalyulhan disliked that attitude.

But since Chahwan’s admiration was sincere, Yalyulhan kept him close. There was a clear difference in the feelings they held toward each other.

“Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish! We have a long road ahead!”

“Yes!”

At that moment, a subordinate reported from outside.

“Lord Bi has arrived.”

A faint smile touched Yalyulhan’s lips. Somehow, he had expected this.

“Bring him in!”

He signaled Chahwan to withdraw.

“I shall withdraw.”

After Chahwan left, Bisa-in entered.

“Welcome, Lord Bi.”

“Master Danju, how have you been?”

Amid tense silence, their eyes met in midair. Both recognized as mortal enemies. Everyone thought one would kill the other, just unsure when.

“I hope I’m not taking up your busy time.”

“You’re busier than anyone, Lord Bi. Please, have a seat.”

They sat opposite each other at the table. Tea was served, but Bisa-in did not touch his cup.

“I heard about Daeyabang.”

“The resistance was too strong; it couldn’t be helped.”

“Was it not too harsh?”

The gentle question carried reproach.

“The Geukdo Regiment is a bit rough, but not bloodthirsty killers.”

Yalyulhan placed the Geukdo Regiment forward. Misstep and he would insult the regiment; this silenced Bisa-in.

Bisa-in stared quietly at Yalyulhan. His face was rough, but Yalyulhan’s emotionless eyes overpowered that roughness.

Bisa-in had to admit—he had feared Yalyulhan. No one could know what was in that unmoving mind. Not knowing made it more frightening.

“People’s hearts are truly unfathomable. The devoted Daeyabang leader conspiring with the Murim Alliance—it’s frightening. When I become leader, I hope no such traitors emerge again.”

“Lord Bi has fine character and will lead well.”

“The leader was not betrayed because of poor character, was he?”

Yalyulhan read provocation and confidence from Bisa-in. This unfamiliar side deepened his misunderstanding.

“The Satan Alliance leader must have signaled him.”

He must have told him a secret—that a hidden war had begun.

Yalyulhan did not realize that this change in Bisa-in was because of Geom Mugeuk.

“Do you think a rookie like you can lead the Satan Martial World?”

“When I reach your age, I will be far greater than you.”

“Rookies remain rookies. You’ll never sit as leader.”

These were the true thoughts behind their eyes. But smooth words passed between them, contradicting their hearts.

“I regret my careless words.”

“No, the matter is serious, so I was sensitive. Sorry.”

After a polite apology, Bisa-in rose.

“I must leave before making more mistakes.”

Before leaving, he said one last thing.

“I trust only you, Master Danju.”

Yalyulhan nodded firmly.

Bisa-in left the room. Before deciding, he thought to meet Yalyulhan once more. He hoped seeing him would make the decision easier but it remained difficult.

To become the Satan Alliance leader, he must kill Yalyulhan. But should it be now? And should he borrow the demonic sect’s blade?

When he took over as successor after killing Seok Gwanchu’s grandson, he had believed he could manage anything.

But he realized he had never made a truly big decision in his life.

Bisa-in looked up at the sky outside. The weather had been gloomy these days.

The next day, while eating at the inn, a telepathic message came again.

—Meeting at the same place to eat is a perfect chance for assassination.

It was Geom Mugeuk’s message.

—If you were going to come this quickly, why did you say you’d wait at the cliff?

—Waiting is waiting. Now I’m here to persuade you. Our fate depends on this.

Bisa-in paused his chopsticks briefly and drank a sip of alcohol. Ilrang of the Satan Thirteen Langs, watching anxiously, asked.

“Is something troubling you?”

“Ilrang.”

“Yes, Lord.”

“Do you think I will become the Satan Alliance leader?”

“What do you mean? Of course, you are the next leader.”

“Do you think I’ll still be leader ten years from now?”

Ilrang hesitated briefly. Bisa-in knew it was because of Yalyulhan.

Ilrang answered.

“I will protect you safely all my life.”

Bisa-in smiled and resumed eating.

Geom Mugeuk sent another message.

—They will ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ all die.

—No need to drag others into this to persuade me.

—I mean to say it’s not just your problem. Even I have people I cared about and who were close to me. My failure means their failure, whether I want it or not.

Bisa-in said nothing. Geom Mugeuk stopped pressing him. Instead, he asked for one more meeting.

—I have something to say. Meet me at the cliff later.

“Why did you ask to meet?”

At midnight, Bisa-in came to the cliff.

Geom Mugeuk was already there, watching the starry night.

“It’s been cloudy for days and I couldn’t see the stars, but tonight they shine so brightly.”

Bisa-in followed Geom Mugeuk’s gaze and saw the stars pouring down.

After a long pause, Geom Mugeuk spoke first.

“I tell people this: my martial way does not break tables.”

Bisa-in turned to look at him. Geom Mugeuk continued, still gazing at the sky.

“I cannot stand seeing the strong trample the weak. Whether from my sect, righteous or rogue factions, I cannot endure it. I don’t know if you’re aware, but Yalyulhan’s men created immortal herbs to manipulate young people and lead them to ruin. They made a drug called mad rage that caused the death of innocent people. My martial way will never tolerate that.”

Slowly Geom Mugeuk’s gaze shifted from the sky to Bisa-in. When their eyes met, Geom Mugeuk asked,

“What is your Satan Alliance?”

Bisa-in could not answer. He vaguely felt determination and ambition to rule well but had no concrete ideology yet. Perhaps naturally so, as he was still young.

“If you find that answer, this decision may become easier.”

That day, Geom Mugeuk left first.

Bisa-in stayed there late into the night.

The next day, Bisa-in arrived first at the cliff.

Upon seeing Geom Mugeuk, he spoke coldly.

“Do you know what you’re trying to do?”

His voice was low but carried the anger he hadn’t expressed yesterday.

“Do you know what killing him means? If it was easy, would I have endured knowing he might kill me someday?”

“I know it’s difficult.”

“No, you don’t. Let me tell you why. I once heard from the leader that Yalyulhan commands supreme masters, so don’t underestimate him. I’ll tell you one of their names.”

“Who?”

“The Five Thunder Divine Swords’ Baekhaeng.”

Geom Mugeuk was shocked.

“He’s still alive?”

Baekhaeng was a legendary rogue martial artist who once dominated the Satan Martial World.

“So leave while you can. Go back while your legs still work.”

Then Geom Mugeuk surprised him.

“My sect has also identified someone.”

“Who?”

“Blood Wheel Calamity’s Damal.”

Bisa-in was now shocked. Damal was a villain who killed hundreds of righteous warriors in one sitting, causing a blood calamity. His martial skill wasn’t on Baekhaeng’s level, but his cruelty was beyond words.

“These two may not be the end. Still going through with it?”

Bisa-in asked, and Geom Mugeuk nodded.

“I will.”

Without hesitation, Bisa-in shook his head.

“You really are a strangely mad man.”

“Even if I fail, you won’t lose out. So why hesitate? Were you worried about me? Is that why you mentioned Baekhaeng?”

Bisa-in was slightly embarrassed.

“What nonsense? Why would I worry about you?”

“Why get angry? I was just asking.”

“Because it’s nonsense.”

Geom Mugeuk continued calmly.

“I know this decision isn’t an easy one.”

“And yet you keep pushing me.”

“You’ve experienced it too, haven’t you? Big decisions are often right when they first come to mind. Ignoring that primal feeling only leads to bad outcomes. What was your first thought?”

After a pause, Bisa-in answered.

“To do it.”

“Then let’s do it.”

Bisa-in knew the worries would never end. Even after a month or a year, he would still worry. But he decided to just take the plunge.

And he plunged.

“Very well. Let’s do it.”

He chose to think simply.

Without Geom Mugeuk, he would not be who he was now.

He came to pay back the debt of life, so let him repay it fully.

“Let’s do it!”

At least Geom Mugeuk seemed like someone who wouldn’t drag him down.

Geom Mugeuk was pleased and grateful Bisa-in accepted his proposal.

“Thank you. You’ve made a very wise decision. I never would have proceeded without you.”

“Later, when we look back on this moment, I hope we don’t regret making such a foolish choice.”

Their eyes met once more.

Geom Mugeuk said with gratitude in his gaze,

“Let’s not look back now. When we become Cheonma and Satan Alliance leader, we’ll look back then.”