Geom Mugeuk sat down again at the seat of honor.

When Ye Sogwang tried to sit beside him, Geom Mugeuk instead seated Yakran there.

Though pushed from his place, Ye Sogwang was not offended at all. Rather, he admired Geom Mugeuk.

To openly carry a woman into a room with so many watching? Then brazenly seat her beside you? It was beyond his imagination.

In any case, things were going exactly as he intended.

‘He’s completely won them over.’

With such a unique and impulsive man, perhaps this time he might secure an opportunity to advance to headquarters. Fueled by that hope, Ye Sogwang tried to flatter Geom Mugeuk even more.

“Look at the dancer’s expression. She’s deeply immersed in happiness. After all, how could any woman not be captivated by our Little Pill Master’s masculinity?”

Ye Sogwang’s gaze shifted to Yakran.

Her expression was different than usual. She always feared him, but now she seemed somehow confident.

‘That foolish woman, she thinks that having slept with the Little Pill Master means she owns him.’

She didn’t realize her life expectancy had shortened by entangling with him. When the Little Pill Master ended the relationship, he wouldn’t leave her be. Even if not him, one of those guards would handle her.

Then Geom Mugeuk asked Ye Sogwang,

“What do you hate the most, Pill Master Ye?”

Ye Sogwang tried to guess why the Little Pill Master asked such a question.

But he couldn’t figure out the intent. It seemed obvious, yet the Little Pill Master was unpredictable.

“I… hate…”

Hate? Of course he did. He hated anything blocking his rise, hated anything interfering with making money. Most of all, he hated when someone saw through his duplicity.

All were things he couldn’t say aloud.

“I hate the righteous sect bastards trying to topple our sect. I hate their hypocrisy.”

“Indeed! It’s reassuring to have Pill Master Ye here. Now, drink this glass for that reason.”

“Thank you.”

Pouring wine for Ye Sogwang, Geom Mugeuk casually asked,

“Pill Master Ye, have you earned a lot of money?”

Ye Sogwang flinched inwardly but soon grumbled,

“How I wish I had. As you see, I command many subordinates. Money and luck don’t stick; whatever comes in slips right out.”

“Don’t pretend, Pill Master Ye. Lend me some money.”

Suddenly asking for money? A bribe? Or a joke over drinks?

Trying to grasp the meaning, Geom Mugeuk could not fathom the Little Pill Master’s true thoughts.

Ye Sogwang smiled and pulled a pouch from his chest.

“Our Little Pill Master says you need money, so I should at least give some pocket change.”

He opened the pouch and said,

“There are eighty nyang here. I’ll lend you this.”

Taking the money, Geom Mugeuk shook his head.

“This isn’t enough.”

Did he really want a bribe?

Ye Sogwang had risen to his position by giving countless bribes. Judging from how much was said and unsaid, it was easy to estimate how much would satisfy him.

But the Little Pill Master asking for bribes? In such an open setting?

It was beyond common sense, and no matter how hard Geom Mugeuk tried, he couldn’t guess the true intent.

‘Fine. Let’s see.’

Ye Sogwang smiled and rose.

“Please wait a moment.”

He left the great hall.

Yakran, sitting beside Geom Mugeuk, looked puzzled, but he gave no explanation.

The guards exchanged glances but none could guess Geom Mugeuk’s intent.

A short while later, Ye Sogwang returned carrying a small box.

“This is it.”

His conclusion on the way back was clear. Carrying a woman off like that, this whole matter — the Little Pill Master was enjoying the attention. He liked standing out far more than Ye Sogwang had expected.

‘What is there to fear from the Little Pill Master? See how openly he collects bribes. He thinks this is style.’

‘This foolish Little Pill Master. Leaving such a weakness. If it causes trouble later, will he kill everyone present?’

Geom Mugeuk inspected the box.

“Oh, you’ve collected quite a sum.”

“I’m giving you all the money I saved.”

Closing the box, Geom Mugeuk spoke again.

“Pill Master Ye.”

“Yes, Little Pill Master.”

“Give me more.”

For a moment Ye Sogwang’s expression twisted. But quicker than that, he returned to his usual friendly smile. Keeping such a hard expression was a talent in itself.

“I told you this was all I had saved.”

“You have other hidden savings.”

“No, I don’t.”

Ye Sogwang smiled and waved his hand, but at that moment,

“You made money with the Tianhe Sect, didn’t you?”

Startled, {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} Ye Sogwang almost blurted, “How did you know that?”

Experienced, he hid his surprise well.

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Why pretend with me? I understand. With low pay and so many subordinates, you need side income. Isn’t that so?”

The amount gained from Tianhe Sect was too large for that explanation. Besides, twenty people had been killed to keep it secret. It must never be revealed.

‘How much does he really know?’

Ye Sogwang flatly denied.

“There must be a misunderstanding. I did liaise with Tianhe Sect, but only to handle Pill Master affairs.”

He had prepared fake ledgers for such cases. Records showing the money was used for the Pill Master’s duties.

Then Geom Mugeuk gestured him closer. Nervously, Ye Sogwang moved near, fearing a punch might fly.

Luckily, none did. But something more frightening approached than a fist.

“How much did you take from the leader of the Soyabang?”

“!”

“Don’t you remember? Then what about the West Spear Sect’s Deputy Leader?”

More names followed.

Listening, Yakran was quietly surprised. They were names she had written down. When she gave him the paper, it seemed he glanced at it, but now he clearly remembered everything.

Ye Sogwang’s pupils flickered. Usually composed, now his calm shattered.

‘What? How did he find out?’

No, that wasn’t the issue. How to escape this situation was.

“Pill Master Ye, your expression stiffened. Your constant smile was nice to see.”

Ye Sogwang forced a smile. He had to improvise, but with so many names listed, he was at a loss for words. The greatest crisis of his life suddenly descended.

“Now I understand what you hate the most. Giving up your own money. Isn’t that right?”

His helpless gaze fell on Yakran beside Geom Mugeuk.

Ye Sogwang’s eyes met Yakran’s proud gaze.

‘Damn! That cursed woman ratted me out!’

Having faithfully followed orders for years, he never imagined this.

“Did that dancer speak ill of me?”

“Why ask such a thing? Do you have some connection to this woman?”

Suddenly realizing his mistake, Ye Sogwang knew he should have denied everything. Especially, he must never get involved with Yakran.

But this tightening grip was not over.

“Where is the caravan loot from Honam Jeil Caravan Guild?”

Ye Sogwang’s vision darkened. The Little Pill Master knew all his secrets.

“This is slander! A plot to bring me down!”

“Who?”

Ye Sogwang’s gaze returned to Yakran.

“Did this dancer do it?”

He couldn’t admit it. Otherwise, his prior hospitality to her would be exposed. Worse, he introduced her to the Little Pill Master. Becoming a corrupt martial artist was safer.

‘I knew you’d come to catch me. Then?’

Ye Sogwang dropped to his knees, bowing deeply.

The music stopped and everyone held their breath. The mighty Pill Master Ye kneeling was a shocking sight.

“Please show mercy and forgive me. I was blinded by greed.”

He hoped the Little Pill Master’s impulsiveness and unique character would surface — laughing it off, treating this as nothing. The one who craved attention, he hoped to charm and escape.

But at this moment, Geom Mugeuk grew calm and cold.

“Where is the money you’ve saved all this time?”

“In the battlefield.”

“Not that. Not the show money saved for Hwangcheongak’s auditors. The money you desperately hoarded.”

Ye Sogwang said nothing. Or rather, couldn’t. To survive, he needed to produce the money immediately, but what kind of money was it?

Geom Mugeuk signaled to Hwangpyo standing far off.

Hwangpyo rushed over, kneeling beside Ye Sogwang with a tense face.

“You know where the money is hidden?”

Geom Mugeuk’s killing intent flared. Hwangpyo’s hair stood on end; a chill as if blood drained from his body. The fear of death overwhelmed him.

“If you tell the truth, you’ll live.”

Hwangpyo’s heart pounded. He had always been ready to die for Ye Sogwang, but now that death was near, he was scared. Did Ye Sogwang treat him well enough to die for him?

Geom Mugeuk read his wavering mind precisely.

“You watched your master amass huge wealth. What did he give you?”

Crumbs. And plenty of empty praise.

Hwangpyo glanced at the gaunt Ye Sogwang kneeling beside him and understood: his loyalty only held while Ye Sogwang controlled his life and death.

“...The fortune is hidden in a temple called Yanghosa.”

Geom Mugeuk sent a signal to Jeok-yeon.

— Notify Tongcheongak immediately to retrieve everything!

— Understood.

Hwangpyo pleaded desperately,

“I’ve confessed honestly, please spare me!”

At that moment—

Ye Sogwang drew his sword and cut off Hwangpyo’s neck. Blood sprayed over Ye Sogwang’s body and face.

Ye Sogwang wiped the blood off. Resentment gave way to regret. He shouldn’t have trusted him. Should never have trusted till the end. Both this one and that one. Should have killed them and found new ones every few years.

Spitting on Hwangpyo’s corpse, Ye Sogwang said coldly,

“Who do you take for a fool? Did you think you’d live while spouting that nonsense?”

His usual smiling mask fell away, revealing his true face. He hadn’t expected it to be so easily stripped.

All because of that strange Little Pill Master.

“Little Pill Master, you never intended to spare him from the start?”

“You spent your life flattering others, watching their moods. Even now you try to read minds?”

Ye Sogwang’s trembling sword lowered. He sighed,

“It’s unfair. I never even got to use the money I earned.”

“You’re addicted to making money. You should’ve used it to see people and the world. You only saw the money.”

Ye Sogwang felt that might be true. He had felt greater joy earning than spending.

“I…”

He wanted to argue, but no words came. Known as a good speaker, nothing came to mind before the cursed Little Pill Master. His long-built life shattered in an instant. Was this real? It was like a dream.

Ye Sogwang screamed,

“That’s possible! I’m a demon, so what if I kill a few insignificant fools?”

Normally, he wouldn’t say that. Such words were for lowly lackeys.

If Geom Mugeuk had answered, “Yes, I’m a demon too. What if I kill scum like you?” it might have lessened the misery. But Geom Mugeuk only looked at him with indifferent eyes.

Ye Sogwang shouted in desperation,

“Uwaaaaaaah!”

Like Yakran unable to handle him, even he couldn’t deal with Geom Mugeuk.

Ye Sogwang lunged, sword aiming to kill Geom Mugeuk, but the blade suddenly turned. It pointed to Yakran’s heart. He blamed her for all this.

The sound of flesh tearing as the sword pierced.

Ye Sogwang’s sword stopped just before Yakran’s heart. Instead, Geom Mugeuk’s Black Demon Sword was buried in Ye Sogwang’s heart.

Geom Mugeuk said to Yakran,

“The specter tormenting you will now disappear from this world.”

Drawing the sword, Ye Sogwang collapsed backward, dead.

“Send the specter in your heart away with him.”

Yakran understood why Geom Mugeuk said this. She should no longer suffer from wounds inflicted by Ye Sogwang.

Taking a deep breath, she spoke.

“I will dance.”

She had been waiting for this moment.

Geom Mugeuk said,

“Dance not here, but later on stage. Dance not where filthy blood flows, but on stage.”

“But you promised.”

From Geom Mugeuk’s clear, deep gaze, Yakran understood. He promised to say this.

“No need for revenge. He’s not worth it. The best dance is on your stage.”

Tears welled in her eyes.

“Why do you treat a worthless person like me so well?”

Geom Mugeuk faced her respectfully.

“Because Cheonma Sin Gyo wronged you.”

Looking at her, he said politely,

“I apologize on its behalf. I’m sorry.”

Yakran’s tears she’d held back flowed freely. The Little Pill Master of the Demon Sect was apologizing. To a fragile life hanging by a thread. With this, how could she cling to past wounds?

She bowed deeply to Geom Mugeuk.

“I will never forget this kindness. Please come watch my dance someday.”

The dancers and musicians there also bowed their heads.

Jeok-yeon, watching this, realized that Geom Mugeuk’s martial spirit, which lingered in Samho’s mother’s cooking, now rested upon this woman’s dance.

And now she seemed to see a little more clearly what they must protect. Her once painfully aching eyes ached a little less.