Had he laughed so heartily in recent times?

Yong Ja-myeong laughed out loud.

“Got some money?”

Asking such a question to one of the richest in the Central Plains was no different than asking the Demon Sect Leader, ‘Do you have any martial arts skill?’ The one making such a joke was the current Little Pill Master of the Heavenly Demon Sect.

While raising the Silver Galaxy Guild, they had always been cautious of martial artists, especially wary of the Heavenly Demon Sect. Because if trouble arose, negotiation with them seemed impossible. They were like an approaching tidal wave.

Then came news about the sect.

It was about the young man standing right in front of them — the Little Pill Master of the Demon Sect.

The secret information was truly astonishing. Stories hard to believe.

Though hearing repeatedly that the Little Pill Master was different from past demonic martial artists, he had thought, how different could he be? After all, a demonic martial artist was still a demonic martial artist.

But this Little Pill Master he met was different. How different could he be, he asked? As you see, he was very different — more special than rumors suggested.

“How much do you want?”

In response to Yong Ja-myeong’s question, Geom Mugeuk smiled and said,

“The more, the better.”

“That’s the only thing I’m good at.”

To his humble words, Geom Mugeuk surprisingly added,

“However, you don’t really have to give it.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“You only need to pretend to give it.”

Yong Ja-myeong guessed Geom Mugeuk’s intent.

It meant just leaking the information that the Silver Galaxy Guild gave a huge sum to the Western Path Sect.

“And the question about how much should be asked not of you, Danju, but of the other side.”

Yong Ja-myeong admired Geom Mugeuk. Just moments ago, he had asked to be allowed to stay here, gaining three days.

In other words, Geom Mugeuk had devised some plan in this short time.

The most extraordinary Little Pill Master in history.

He was surely living up to that reputation.

“Little Pill Master.”

“Yes, Danju.”

It was time to formally express thanks.

“Thank you.”

Without Geom Mugeuk, Geom Woojin would have never realized he was a hidden martial artist.

If he hadn’t asked about past stories, hadn’t requested to see the drawing depicting the appearance, hadn’t recognized Geom Woojin in Geom Mugeuk’s form...

He would never have known Geom Woojin was a hidden martial artist.

Though knowing Yong Ja-myeong’s words carried that meaning, Geom Mugeuk smiled and said,

“Being with the richest person in the world, I ask for money and still get thanked.”

Yong Ja-myeong liked Geom Mugeuk. Now he fully understood the Demon Sect Leader’s words that this was not a bad thing for him. No, not just ‘not bad’. If he could continue a good relationship with such a Little Pill Master, it would greatly help both himself and the Silver Galaxy Guild.

That must be why such words came naturally.

“The three days start tomorrow.”

He regretted even a single day lost.

“The Silver Galaxy Guild is plotting something.”

At Geum A-rin’s words, Commander Im Hyeok silently nodded.

The fact that the Guild Leader himself had appeared here was proof. Circumstantially, it looked like the Silver Galaxy Guild and the Western Path Sect were joining forces.

“The Western Path Sect are not ordinary people.”

Im Hyeok recalled the person who had appeared by breaking invisibility.

That invisibility technique was unprecedented. A masterful invisibility that only those skilled in it could perceive.

He remembered the words spoken then:

— “You want to protect your master? Then stop. Stop thinking, stop moving, and shut your mouth.”

It meant to not leave the manor recklessly.

Somehow, he felt that warning applied to the whole situation now.

“So, the Danju of the Silver Galaxy Guild must have come personally.”

Geom Yeon and his father and uncle had not shown anything ordinary either. Especially the presence his father showed was hard to explain in words.

“If they really joined hands, then my subordinates have been beaten by the Silver Galaxy Guild.”

This was not a mere quarrel with a martial arts sect. It meant the Silver Galaxy Guild might be behind it all. Although the possibility was slim.

If so, they would not have been allowed to leave the manor gracefully that day.

“The clans will contact us.”

He had already reported to the clans that the Guild Leader acted alone.

“I can’t just wait for contact.”

Because the situation here might end before that.

He had to take action himself. To find out the relationship between the Silver Galaxy Guild and the Western Path Sect, and why the Guild Leader came personally.

“What will you do?”

“I will find out what’s going on through Geom Yeon.”

Im Hyeok looked at her with concern. She had done well so far. Compared to her young age, she had exceptional qualities. But this time, he had a bad feeling.

Geum A-rin felt Im Hyeok’s worry.

“I know. They are not easy opponents.”

She thought of Geom Mugeuk. When she recalled him, the first image was of him smiling and joking. She knew that strong people smiled like that.

Geom Mugeuk’s smile came from composure. That composure came from strength.

Then a subordinate came to report.

“Geom Yeon and the Silver Galaxy Guild Leader have moved.”

“Just the two?”

“Yes.”

“To where?”

“To the Continental Battlefield.”

Geum A-rin immediately guessed why.

What other reason could there be for merchants and martial artists to head to the battlefield? There was no doubt the Silver Galaxy Guild transferred money to the Western Path Sect.

She ordered her subordinate:

“Secretly find out how much money was exchanged. We must know the exact amount.”

That afternoon, Geum A-rin visited Geom Mugeuk’s residence.

“What’s the matter?”

“I came because I have something to say to you.”

“Come in.”

“Let’s walk; it’s stifling.”

Geum A-rin refused to enter. She knew the Danju of the Silver Galaxy Guild was still here. Also, his father was here. It was a tiger’s den inside.

Geom Mugeuk readily accepted her suggestion.

“Good. Let’s do that.”

It was this attitude. She felt she might learn something from this man.

She had to use his confidence. Hook it, then suck out the humility inside. Without humility, confidence turns into arrogance.

The two walked slowly toward the marketplace. She walked a little apart from Geom Mugeuk.

“Why walk so far apart?”

Geom Mugeuk asked.

“Forgot? Last time we met, it was to kill each other.”

“Let’s speak plainly. It wasn’t us; it was you trying to kill me.”

“My subordinates’ blood must still be on your sword.”

“You tried to kill me first.”

“But I survived, didn’t I?”

She was careful with every word, fully focused. She had never dealt with someone like this before. Even joking required sharp attention.

“But there’s something strange.”

“What is?”

“As you know, I met the Danju of the Silver Galaxy Guild that day. Then their martial artists should have investigated me, but there was no movement.”

She was probing if the Silver Galaxy Guild knew about her.

In fact, the Guild Leader’s guard was known to be impregnable. If someone unknown made contact, investigation was guaranteed.

“I spoke about you first.”

“What did you say?”

“You heard that day. A woman blessed with much fortune.”

Geum A-rin made a bewildered expression. Geom Mugeuk smiled and added,

“I said you have a personal connection with me. So they won’t investigate you because of me.”

Geum A-rin stopped walking. Naturally, Geom Mugeuk stopped too.

“We are bad karma.”

She deliberately said no kind words to Geom Mugeuk. Saying she had a personal connection meant she was favorable to him. In such cases, one should rather be cold.

But he did not take it as bad karma.

“Isn’t that unknown yet? Our meeting isn’t over.”

The two resumed walking. She subtly hooked him and sucked a sip of humility.

“The Danju of the Silver Galaxy Guild came personally. You are more remarkable than I thought.”

Then Geom Mugeuk looked at her with a mysterious smile. His eyes seemed to read her mind.

“You seem more remarkable.”

“What do you mean?”

“You dared to come to such a remarkable person without fear.”

Such a remarkable person?

That must have properly drawn out humility.

“Why did you come to me?”

“To be honest, dealing with someone like you is burdensome. But since it happened, it must be resolved somehow.”

As they talked, they entered the marketplace.

Geom Mugeuk first proposed,

“Let’s have a drink.”

It was exactly the offer she wanted, but she declined once. To get information, she could not show eagerness. She had to approach strategically.

“We are not on drinking terms.”

That was also her confidence.

She was confident that rejecting once wouldn’t make him refuse. She never needed such charm before, as she could solve things with a sword.

“That doesn’t mean we can’t drink, right? Come on, let’s go.”

Geom Mugeuk led the way into the tavern.

A faint smile appeared on Geum A-rin’s lips as she followed. So far, the plan was going smoothly.

“There are many other taverns, but you seem to like this one.”

“Didn’t we meet here? It’s a meaningful place for us.”

Surprised by the unexpected words, Geum A-rin was unsure if he was sincere or joking.

“Bring us drinks.”

Geom Mugeuk ordered a dish for her and one for himself.

After a drink, Geom Mugeuk asked with curiosity,

“Just one question. Where do you belong?”

“Why do you think I belong somewhere?”

“To do this kind of work...”

Geom Mugeuk paused; Geum A-rin finished his sentence.

“You think I’m too young.”

Geom Mugeuk shook his head.

“No. I was going to say you don’t fit this kind of work.”

“What kind of person fits this work?”

“One who steals others’ legacies without batting an eye. Who kills those trying to stop that work without hesitation.”

Geum A-rin’s lips curled slightly. She was quick to catch on.

‘He means me.’

Though he said she didn’t fit, it was ultimately a rebuke.

She was secretly angry but ignored it to change the subject. She was here to get information, not to fight.

“Your father is truly remarkable. I thought only the heads of the sects had martial artists who could meet the Silver Galaxy Guild Leader alone.”

She intentionally praised his father. Provoking jealousy was a good way to reduce his humility.

As expected,

“I was the one who suggested calling the Silver Galaxy Guild.”

“For what purpose?”

Geom Mugeuk spoke as if it was no secret.

“They were secretly seeking experts in the martial world. Experts unknown by the martial world. My father was perfect for that, as he had just returned to the martial world after a long absence.”

It was no lie. His father had really come out after a long time.

Geum A-rin’s mind spun rapidly with unexpected information.

‘The Silver Galaxy Guild is secretly recruiting experts? Why?’

There were many experts in the Guild.

As if reading her thoughts, Geom Mugeuk said,

“I asked directly why they needed experts secretly.”

Geum A-rin waited tensely for an answer.

But Geom Mugeuk avoided answering, hesitated, called a waitress to order more drinks and a new dish.

As if forgetting what he was about to say, he changed the topic to food while drinking.

After several drinks, she asked,

“Why did the Silver Galaxy Guild say they were recruiting experts?”

“Oh, didn’t I tell you?”

Talking like this, she was distracted from suspicion about why he spoke so easily.

“There is a secret organization moving in the upper world. Those who ignore the code and disrupt order. They asked us to eliminate them.”

“!”

Geum A-rin was shocked but feigned calm. That secret organization was certainly hers. She had expected the Silver Galaxy Guild would find out eventually, but did not expect this kind of response.

“Then why don’t they deal with it themselves and bring in outside forces?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

Geom Mugeuk said confidently, as if seeing through it all.

“They want to seize the space left after removing them.”

“That can’t be. They are the greatest guild in the world.”

Geom Mugeuk emptied his cup and said,

“That’s why they became the greatest guild.”

After a moment of silence, Geum A-rin asked,

“Why are you willingly sharing such secrets with me?”

“Because you seem curious. # Nоvеlight # I think this is more fate than bad karma.”

Geom Mugeuk looked fixedly at her.

She could not read his true intentions. Anyway, she could verify the truth later. Since he was speaking freely, she decided to ask everything.

“How much were they offered?”

If Geom Mugeuk’s words were true, she had to stop them from joining hands. The damage would be greater than the money spent to hire them. Or rather, her own life was at risk.

Geom Mugeuk, who had been frank until now, held back his answer.

“Why do you ask?”

“If I offer more money, they might come to us.”

Geom Mugeuk laughed openly.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to mock you.”

He probably looked like he was facing one of the richest.

“Hey, we’re also among the top three.”

“Tell me, how much does it take?”