Eight Majons stood in a row, all eyes fixed on Geom Mugeuk. Every disciple gathered there focused intently on his movements.

Geom Mugeuk first walked toward Hyeol Cheon Doma.

“Master Doma.”

“Young Sect Leader.”

His gaze toward Hyeol Cheon Doma was warm and sincere.

“The reason I could become the successor is all thanks to you, Elder.”

In front of all the disciples watching, Geom Mugeuk loudly praised Hyeol Cheon Doma’s contributions.

At once, the sword ghosts behind him erupted in cheers, unleashing their fierce spiritual energy. Had the Cheonma not been present, they would have shouted, “Hyeol Cheon! Hyeol Cheon!”

Geom Mugeuk looked at them fondly. Thanks to these wild and fierce fellows, he had completed the final stage of the Cheonma Vein Strengthening Technique and thereby achieved Invincibility Against All Poisons.

“Thank you, sword ghosts!”

Though it might surprise outsiders, Geom Mugeuk found them endearing.

He respectfully bowed to Hyeol Cheon Doma and expressed his feelings.

“I respect you deeply, Elder!”

It was genuine. The first Majon who became his loyal supporter and selflessly gave everything.

“The credit belongs to the Young Sect Leader’s talent; what could this old man have done?”

“Please continue to guide us well.”

Since it was a formal occasion, they exchanged proper bows.

But Geom Mugeuk wasn’t about to let it end quietly. With his usual lively tone quite unlike the calm voice he used now, he sent a private message.

―Elder, let’s have a drink later! Let’s throw a big celebration! By the way, can the Young Sect Leader skip washing and just lie down?

Hearing Geom Mugeuk’s unchanged teasing delighted Hyeol Cheon Doma.

Indeed, whether Young Sect Leader or Crown Prince, Hyeol Cheon Doma knew this was who Geom Mugeuk was. That nature was why he had fallen deeply for him.

―Don’t fool around or the Master will scold you. Focus!

Next, Geom Mugeuk approached Ilhwa Geomjon standing beside him.

“Geomjon.”

“Young Sect Leader.”

“Please continue to teach me. Thanks to you, my swordsmanship has improved greatly.”

Ilhwa Geomjon was inwardly flustered. The sparring sessions with Geom Mugeuk were nothing worth such praise. In fact, she had even lost during some matches. Yet here she was, saved face before her subordinates.

The martial ghosts’ faces brightened, shouting and releasing their spiritual energy even louder than the sword ghosts had.

Between the sword ghosts and martial ghosts, even now in this formal setting, their rivalry simmered.

Ilhwa Geomjon smiled and said,

“Your talent in martial arts is heaven-sent; my help was insignificant.”

“You are too humble. Please continue to lead me well.”

“Of course.”

Then Geom Mugeuk stood before the Possessor.

He understood the deep affection behind that fierce face. He also knew how powerful that single steadfast strike was.

“My master.”

“Young Sect Leader, now that you are precious, I think I must retire from being your master.”

“I learned life from your fists. Wherever I rise, you will always be my master.”

Even when he becomes the Crown Prince, Geom Mugeuk meant to serve him as master, so a pleased smile appeared on the Possessor’s stern face.

The Iron Fists shouted their cheers loudly. These were the very disciples who learned the fist arts alongside Geom Mugeuk.

Having developed affection for Geom Mugeuk during training, they sincerely congratulated him as the new Young Sect Leader. Among the Black Fist group in front stood Cheon Sohee.

Next, Geom Mugeuk stood before Seophon Majon.

He felt sorry he hadn’t taken care of her properly, having been busy with other Majons, dealing with enemies, and caring for Cheongseon separately.

“Majon.”

“Young Sect Leader.”

Fortunately, her expression showed no resentment, only warmth.

She knew well that without Geom Mugeuk, she wouldn’t have become a Majon. Moreover, the Wind Heaven Sect Leader who taught her martial arts had also connected her to Geom Mugeuk. So she was determined to grow stronger quickly and repay that debt.

Geom Mugeuk bowed properly as with the other Majons.

“Martial artists say the most feared person in our sect is Seophon Majon. Please remain the sharpest blade of the sect!”

“Please count on me, Young Sect Leader!”

The ear sorcerers released their spiritual energy at once. The surrounding disciples’ torches flickered as if blown by wind. An eerie aura filled the air, as if ghosts would emerge at any moment.

Next, Geom Mugeuk approached Chwima.

With a flushed face, Chwima looked at him.

“Chwima.”

“Young Sect Leader.”

“Learning wine and the martial world from you has been a great help. Please continue to guide me.”

At the same time, Geom Mugeuk sent a private message.

―I want to call you ‘Brother.’

―I want to call you ‘Little brother.’

―Should we burn it down?

―Don’t. If you do, I’ll get properly marked by the Master.

Contrasting the playful messages, Chwima spoke calmly and solemnly.

“Come anytime. The wine for the Young Sect Leader is always ready. Now, drink this to celebrate your becoming Young Sect Leader.”

As Chwima drank from the flask at his waist, his retinue drank together. Their intoxicating aura mingled with the spiritual and demonic energies, swirling around. The atmosphere heightened.

Next was Mabul.

Among all the Majons present, Mabul was the one Geom Mugeuk felt most apologetic toward.

“Congratulations, Young Sect Leader.”

He was calm. Not foolish enough to blame Geom Mugeuk for not becoming Crown Prince.

“Thank you.”

“The future of our sect depends on you, Young Sect Leader. Never forget that.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

Mabul’s gaze shifted beyond Geom Mugeuk’s shoulder to Geom Muyang. The worry in his eyes was clear.

“For the Young Sect Leader’s future, the monks will pray.”

As Mabul spoke, the monks chanted prayers in unison, wishing Geom Mugeuk well.

Geom Mugeuk knew that at least Mabul prayed for Geom Muyang.

“Please protect my brother until the end, Mabul.”

That was Geom Mugeuk’s honest hope.

Next, Geom Mugeuk stood before Duke Dok. Seeing him brought a calm smile. Duke Dok had become a ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) comforting presence.

“Duke Dok.”

“Young Sect Leader.”

“Thanks to your guidance in Cheondok Forest, I am now much safer from poison threats. Thank you.”

“You have a constitution resistant to poison. If you heed my words, poison won’t kill you.”

Immediately, a private message flew to Duke Dok.

―Thanks to that day playing around, I’m now Young Sect Leader.

―If you’re grateful, let’s bet on finding poison herbs again.

Geom Mugeuk lowered his voice jokingly, but—

―I’m Young Sect Leader, different from the gathering hunter Crown Prince.

―Come clean up sometimes, too.

Of course, Duke Dok wasn’t fooled.

His eyes gleamed clearly as he looked at Geom Mugeuk.

‘You’ve just taken another step toward who you’ll face.’

Finally, Geom Mugeuk faced the last Majon.

Geugak Soma wore a dazzling multicolored mask.

“Master Soma.”

“Young Sect Leader.”

They exchanged silent gazes. Even through the mask, Soma’s eyes shone with joy.

Geom Mugeuk thought himself incredibly lucky to have met someone he could trust so deeply.

“Your mask is splendid.”

“It is the mask used at celebrations. It fits perfectly for today’s occasion.”

Through the eyeholes, Soma’s eyes smiled.

Geom Mugeuk no longer needed to examine the true meaning behind that smile—it was enough that only he could see it.

“I look forward to the day we fight again.”

“Likewise.”

Soma laughed heartily. The silent masked warriors behind him echoed the laughter—an eerie sound celebrating the new Young Sect Leader.

Their laughter spread, the ear sorcerers’ spiritual energies swirled, fierce martial energy roared, and the chanting filled the arena.

But Geom Mugeuk’s attention was not only on them.

His gaze shifted from the Eight Majons’ disciples to the warriors within Cheonma Hall.

Far away, General Jang Ho of the Martial Army stood ready. The Cheonma’s direct subordinates would lead any conflict without hesitation.

Geom Mugeuk respectfully bowed to Jang Ho. The battle cries of the Martial Army added to the rising fervor.

He also bowed to the Yeomjug Guardians and Execution Warriors, who responded with cheers. Among the investigators, Seo Daeryong smiled brightly.

―Congratulations, Master Lee! No, Young Sect Leader!

―I trust only the right hand!

―Please trust some other body parts too!

Laughing heartily, Geom Mugeuk respectfully bowed to the leaders of other factions. The cheers reached their peak.

Finally, Geom Mugeuk sought out one person. No matter how many people surrounded her, she stood out—his eyes met Ian’s.

―You look even prettier today?

―With so many disciples here, I thought I’d try to flirt with the young and handsome ones.

―No one here stands a chance.

―Don’t say that. What have I done?

―No, not you. I mean to say no to me.

She smiled. Geom Mugeuk was glad she remained unchanged despite his promotion.

―Congratulations, Young Sect Leader.

―It’s thanks to you watching my back.

She would never know that because she risked everything for him, this moment existed.

With everyone’s congratulations, Geom Mugeuk stepped up onto the platform. Many remained to be thanked.

This time he approached Chief Military Commander Sama Myung.

“Commander.”

“Congratulations, Young Sect Leader.”

Sama Myung had watched Geom Mugeuk’s rise more closely than anyone. His talent had been so great that he had worried. His unpredictability had also made him uneasy. No one would have imagined such words just moments ago.

“Now that you’re Young Sect Leader, please teach me to play Go in secret.”

Geom Mugeuk’s words brought a smile to Sama Myung.

“That will be difficult.”

“So you don’t want me to win!”

“I only wish for the sect’s peace. If not Go, the Chongcheon Pavilion will always help you.”

After a pleasant exchange, Geom Mugeuk approached Geom Muyang standing alone.

Who else would feel more uncomfortable in this moment? Everything in front of him could have been his. How bitter the disappointment must be.

“Brother, I trust only you.”

If it were just the two of them, he might have shouted, “You crazy bastard, stop it!” but now he couldn’t.

“Please take care of the sect.”

Suddenly, Geom Mugeuk embraced Geom Muyang tightly.

―Are you crazy?

―You’re the crazy one. You gave me this great position.

―Crazy bastard, let go!

The crowd erupted in cheers. The promise to avoid bloodshed in the succession fight had been kept.

Lastly, Geom Mugeuk stood before Father.

“Father.”

Geom Woojin stepped forward, bringing Geom Mugeuk along.

As the two stood side by side, cheers exploded.

Just standing together gave Geom Mugeuk immense strength. He was undeniably the recognized Young Sect Leader of Cheonma Sin Gyo.

Amidst the seemingly endless cheers, the midnight succession announcement concluded.

Geom Muyang walked alone.

The raucous atmosphere inside the sect was like a festival.

He wanted to join the joyous mood with a friendly face, but it wasn’t easy.

His role ended here. A supporting actor who embraces the protagonist on stage.

Looking down at the ground, he walked slowly, when suddenly someone called from behind.

“Muyang.”

Turning, he saw Father.

“…Father.”

Geom Woojin spoke gently.

“Let’s eat together.”

At that moment, Geom Muyang felt a lump in his throat. Tears blurred his vision before he could control them. He grit his teeth, holding back. He didn’t want to show weakness to Father on such a day.

“I was getting hungry anyway.”

“Come. The elders won’t be sleeping tonight, so let’s have what you like.”

Walking side by side, they headed toward Cheonma Hall.

Walking with Father stirred memories in Geom Muyang’s heart.

Days spent trying to earn Father’s favor.

He had done his best as the eldest son. He wanted to be acknowledged, praised, and recognized by Father.

Becoming the successor was the surest way. He thought he’d be abandoned miserably if he failed.

“Do you regret it?”

“No, I feel relieved.”

Now, Geom Woojin no longer saw him as the eldest son but as his son.

He gave no words of comfort.

Yet Father’s simple offer to eat together brought more solace than any consolation.

Geom Woojin walked ahead, and Geom Muyang followed a few steps behind.

The moonlight silently illuminated the father and son’s path.

From afar on a rooftop, I watched Father and Brother walk.

Originally, I had planned to have a drink with Brother.

But seeing Father taking care of Brother, I stepped back. We could drink another time, but today’s meal with Father would be unforgettable for Brother.

Since my regression, perhaps Brother had become a painful thorn for Father.

I was grateful Father cared for such a brother. Father was Father.

I flew up to the tallest spire in the sect.

There, arms crossed, I looked over Cheonma Sin Gyo. The festive atmosphere filled the place with noise and excitement. It was the first time in a while I felt joyful and lively.

In the midst of the fervor, I thought of the tasks ahead. My heart was calm and ready for what was to come.

Until the fervor settled and dawn broke, I stood alone at the peak.