The three men looked at each other.

To be precise, Jin Ha-gun and Bisa-in were staring at Geom Mugeuk.

Jin Ha-gun’s gaze toward Geom Mugeuk had changed since their first meeting.

Suddenly, a phrase his younger brother had told him before leaving came to mind.

―When you deal with him, you have to let go of your prejudices. Don’t think, “Because he’s a demon, he must be like this.” He is not the person you think he is.

Now Jin Ha-gun clearly understood why his brother had said that. This man in front of him was nothing like he had imagined. A curiosity stirred within Jin Ha-gun toward this man who might become his lifelong rival.

Just then, someone spoke.

“...It’s unfair.”

All eyes turned toward the speaker.

Seochung, slumped on the floor, was looking this way. Blood from Seobaekjung’s body soaked his backside, but he was half out of his mind.

“I said it’s unfair.”

Earlier, when he had shouted wildly, it felt good. It was a relief. You hypocrites! Didn’t you kill me?

But that was all. When that moment ended, what came next was bitter emptiness. No one paid attention to him. It felt as if his shouting had never happened.

He had always lived as the main character.

But now, none of those gathered in this banquet hall cared about him.

In this moment of rage over his father’s death and terror at the prospect of a lifetime trapped in a brain prison, he was thrashing in a victim’s complex of being ignored and abandoned.

“So, spare my life.”

Geom Mugeuk stared at him with emotionless eyes. If Seochung had been clutching his father’s corpse while cursing him, maybe Geom Mugeuk would have felt some sympathy.

But Seochung was, until the very end, only thinking of himself.

When Geom Mugeuk gave a signal, two guarding warriors subdued his internal energy and dragged him out. His attempts to shout were suppressed even to the point of arresting his breath, and he was pulled out helplessly. Soon, through the Honam branch demons, he would be dragged to the hellish brain prison of the main Cheonma Sin Gyo sect.

Geom Mugeuk did not utter a single word to Seochung nor did he acknowledge his words. Not the slightest interest.

Throwing him into hell, giving him no meaning whatsoever.

This was Geom Mugeuk’s ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) consistent attitude toward a villain who deserved to die.

From that, Jin Ha-gun could somewhat sense what kind of person Geom Mugeuk was. If it were himself, he would have definitely said a word. “Because of you, my father died. Reflect on that for your whole life.” But Geom Mugeuk completely ignored him without even a cold glance. That felt even scarier and more cruel.

Jin Ha-gun felt that today he had truly tasted the flavor of the martial world. It was a very sharp flavor, but not unpleasant. A flavor he wanted to taste again.

At the same time, he felt a desire: next time, he wanted to cook it himself and show them a proper taste.

“I won’t forget what happened today.”

Though it sounded like a vow for revenge, it was actually Jin Ha-gun expressing gratitude toward Geom Mugeuk. Without him, he would have fallen out of his grandfather’s favor.

Geom Mugeuk answered with a soft gaze and a smile.

“Be a good alliance leader.”

Jin Ha-gun decided to believe only half of the sincerity behind those eyes. He had never heard a cult successor advise someone to become a good alliance leader.

Behind them stood the Execution Squad, the Cheonma War guards, and the Satan Thirteen— all staring at each other. They felt this meeting was not the end. Would they meet again at some other moment?

Geom Mugeuk’s parting jest was not missing either.

“It’s a shame to part—let’s go have some drinks.”

But Jin Ha-gun pretended not to hear and said farewell to Bisa-in.

The one glass of liquor Bisa-in had silently poured earlier became a great comfort.

“Next time, I’ll pour you a drink.”

At his words, Bisa-in slightly nodded. Would there ever be a day when the successor of the righteous faction would accept a drink from him? Maybe, perhaps. Since so many unimaginable things had happened since meeting Geom Mugeuk.

“Well then, until next time.”

Jin Ha-gun strode forward first. As the Execution Squad followed, Geom Mugeuk said to them,

“Come, then let’s send off your leader and have a drink among ourselves. Let’s drink with our guards and talk. How much do you get paid, whether it comes on time, what the mission environment is like. Aren’t you curious?”

Following Jin Ha-gun, the Execution Squad wore bewildered expressions. One of them unwittingly let out a chuckle before quickly composing himself. Execution Squad, Satan Thirteen, and Cheonma War guards drinking together? Was that even conceivable?

The last to leave the righteous faction was Geom Seon.

Hyeol Cheon Doma greeted him first.

“Until next time. Take care.”

“Don’t worry. I now have a reason to live longer.”

“Don’t interfere with the juniors’ matters—they hate it.”

“Try to gain some weight.”

After looking at the reason for living longer, Geom Seon left.

Geom Mugeuk spoke to Bisa-in.

“Now that all those dull righteous faction folks have left, let’s men have a drink!”

But Bisa-in also pretended not to hear and walked out.

Bisa-in knew. Geom Mugeuk had intended to give him the Cheonhwa Sect. If only Seochung hadn’t acted out at the end. Yeah, how can you beat a lucky guy?

Still, after this excursion, they had gained fifteen factions in the Honam region, which was a great achievement for the alliance.

“Come on, I said let’s have a drink. So heartless!”

Despite Geom Mugeuk’s calls from behind, Bisa-in strode out. No need to say thanks. Geom Mugeuk would appear before him again someday. Sitting on that cliff with his back turned, ready to surprise him again. Bisa-in even looked forward to that moment. He’d repay this debt then.

Afterward, the Satan Thirteen followed, and Goeak and Gwangseom walked out. These two masters, too, were not Hyeol Cheon Doma or Gwon Ma, but they looked at Geom Mugeuk carefully as they left. Everyone sensed who had produced today’s outcome: Geom Mugeuk.

After even they left, Geom Mugeuk laughed heartily and said,

“As expected! I have only our Majon here.”

But Hyeol Cheon Doma and Gwon Ma were not there. They were already walking toward the door.

“Where are you going?”

“The work is done, so we must leave.”

“Did you all make plans? Why are you doing this to me?”

Geom Mugeuk quickly ran over and blocked their path.

The guards followed, arranging themselves in formation. Samho looked at Jeok-yeon and conveyed with his eyes the words he had said before.

―She’s really not easy to serve.

Jeok-yeon answered back with her gaze.

―That’s why it’s fun.

Not only other successors but even Geom Seon could not act so freely in front of her, yet when Geom Mugeuk joked like that, he felt like a completely different person.

Geom Mugeuk said to the two Majon.

“Ugh, I talked so much my mouth almost died.”

Truly, it was a Majon Great War that began and ended with words.

Gwon Ma clenched his fist.

“Thanks to that mouth, I didn’t have to use this fist.”

But in Gwon Ma’s blunt eyes was praise: “Well handled.”

“I trusted that fist, so I talked as much as I wanted.”

Hyeol Cheon Doma was about to leave through the door.

“Now give that mouth a rest. We’re going.”

“No, why do such carefree people keep wanting to leave?”

“I have to teach Dae-ryong, read books. I’m busy too.”

Then Gwon Ma added a reason.

“I also have to train late at night.”

Geom Mugeuk grabbed the two.

“Don’t be so quick to go! You’ve come all this way—stay a bit longer. Who knows? There might be a chance to use that fist properly.”

At those meaningful words, Gwon Ma asked,

“What’s going on?”

“Let’s go. I’ll tell you on the way.”

Geom Mugeuk slipped between them, linking arms, and walked out together.

“You have to be diligent while you’re still young. What good is it if you already like staying home? Later, you won’t be able to go even if you want!”

The guards watched as the rare sight of the two Majon walking side by side, with Geom Mugeuk between them, left the place.

We returned to the Honam branch.

I immediately dismissed all the guards to rest.

If I were to die even while with Hyeol Cheon Doma and Gwon Ma, then I would die even with guards.

The guards left and enjoyed their rare free time. Those who wanted to sleep did, those who wanted to drink did, and those who wanted to train in martial arts did.

I had a modest drinking gathering with the two Majon.

Though they seemed incompatible, they actually got along well. Though Hyeol Cheon Doma appeared to be a harsh old man, he had a manly spirit that matched Gwon Ma’s personality perfectly.

We drained the first cup together.

“Thank you for coming. Thanks to you two, things went smoothly.”

They were truly people whose mere presence was strength. People I could say anything to and fully rely on now.

“So, what’s the plan now?”

Putting down his cup, Hyeol Cheon Doma asked.

“We must go to the Gangseo branch.”

Meeting the leaders of Honam and Gangseo branches was the purpose of this expedition.

“The Gangseo leader must be nervous.”

The Honam leader was dead, and so was the head of the representative faction here, the Cheonhwa Sect.

“If he hasn’t committed any crime, there’s no reason to be worried.”

“Still, he’ll be uneasy. They say someone who brings a bloody storm is coming.”

“It’s unfair. Where else is there someone like me who loves peace?”

Pouring another cup for the two, I spoke.

“But before we go, there’s business to settle. That’s why I wanted you two to stay.”

I told them about the background of this matter.

“There’s someone who connected the dead Cheonhwa leader and Jin Ha-gun. The Cheonhwa leader asked for his help, and he immediately moved the Murim Alliance.”

“That means he’s powerful.”

Sensing a claw hidden beneath the surface, Hyeol Cheon Doma’s eyes sharpened. This suggested this wasn’t a simple case started from the Honam leader’s corruption.

“When I questioned Jin Ha-gun earlier, I noticed they were very close.”

“He’s likely someone inside the Murim Alliance.”

“Yes, that’s very likely.”

Hyeol Cheon Doma immediately grasped my intent.

“You plan to catch that guy.”

“At least find out who he is. It’s not only because he threatens me. It worries me that someone like that is near Jin Ha-gun. In other words, someone might be manipulating the future Murim leader.”

Hyeol Cheon Doma and Gwon Ma nodded at the same time.

“How do you plan to find out?”

“That’s for you elders to say. Why would I bring you all the way here? I brought you to hear what to do.”

“Exploiting the old men. Good job.”

Despite his words, Hyeol Cheon Doma seemed pleased. Isn’t it always pleasant to be acknowledged and feel needed by someone?

After a moment’s thought, Hyeol Cheon Doma raised one question.

“But why go this far?”

“What do you mean?”

“Why did they even send Jin Ha-gun into this? Are they that close to the Cheonhwa leader?”

“The investigation by Tongcheongak found no Murim Alliance insiders close enough.”

“Then why? It won’t be their credit anyway. The credit will go to Jin Ha-gun, and the Murim Alliance will take all the benefits.”

Hyeol Cheon Doma’s insight was sharp. I was focusing on who, but he focused on why.

“He might be someone wanting to give credit to Jin Ha-gun...”

“Or it means the Cheonhwa leader was indispensable.”

At my words, Hyeol Cheon Doma nodded.

“If that’s true, there will definitely be some reaction. Use that reaction as an opportunity to catch him.”

“Indeed! You’re the best, elder. What would I do without you?”

“Gambler, poisoner, drinker, martial artist……”

Hyeol Cheon Doma glanced at Gwon Ma sitting beside him.

I laughed and said,

“You should call him a fighter.”

“He’ll get along well with his master.”

Still, out of respect, I addressed Gwon Ma politely.

“If he weren’t here, he’d be just a fighter, right?”

Hyeol Cheon Doma drank instead of answering, and the usually unsmiling Gwon Ma smiled.

“I’ll report to Tongcheongak and instruct all my intelligence networks to focus on this matter.”

Until now, Gwon Ma had only listened but finally spoke.

“I’ll observe how they act and report back.”

He seemed to think there might be a need to help.

“Indeed! What would I do without my master?”

I wanted to hear him call Hyeol Cheon Doma a “bookworm,” but he silently sipped his drink.

I drained my cup too. I was curious how the opponent would respond.

When Jin Ha-gun visited his master’s home, Baek Cheon-gyeong was carving a wooden doll.

“I’m back, Master.”

Baek Cheon-gyeong didn’t acknowledge the greeting and kept focused on carving.

Scratch, scratch.

Jin Ha-gun watched his master closely. He didn’t know if she was unaware of the news from Honam or if she already had heard. He had come directly after seeing his grandfather, heading straight to his master.

His grandfather’s reaction had exceeded expectations. When he told him he could no longer forgive the Cheonhwa Sect successor’s evil deeds and had given up, the expression on his grandfather’s face was clearly one of joy.

If he had returned having taken the Cheonhwa Sect, the emotions that would have clouded that face were frightening. He felt grateful to Geom Mugeuk again.

‘I will repay this someday.’

The problem was his master. Because he had ultimately failed the task she had proposed.

‘But she’ll understand, right?’

The purpose of this mission had also been to make himself the successor.

Scratch, scratch.

Looking at his master’s back, Jin Ha-gun suddenly recalled what Geom Mugeuk had said.

―Have you ever looked your grandfather squarely in the eye?

It wasn’t only his grandfather. He also had not looked his master squarely.

Because he was his grandfather. Because she was his master.

Now, he would look straight, without any prejudice.

His master was still focused on carving, so Jin Ha-gun looked around the workshop as usual and went to the display where the dolls were arranged.

In front of the hero doll leading the fight, a small doll was lying down. It was one he hadn’t seen before leaving.

Just as Jin Ha-gun was about to stand the fallen doll up, his master said from behind,

“Leave it lying there.”