Chapter 270: Can You Handle It?

TL: FoodieMonster007

"Aren't you going back?" the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader asked.

Go Wol ignored the question. His gaze only shifted between the baduk board and the book in his hand.

"The job's all done now, isn't it? Let's go back!"

They had finally finished creating an intelligence organization in the Central Plains.

Geom Mugeuk had named the organization the Hidden Moon. Go Wol didn't add any suffixes like 'Dan' or 'Dae'. He decided to use the name exactly as Geom Mugeuk had given it.

"Let's go!"

"I'm not going."

"……"

"I'll go back when I can beat the Head Strategist at baduk."

Of course, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader could understand the true intention behind Go Wol's words. It meant he would return only after managing the Hidden Moon to become a better organization than the All-Knowing Hall, which was led by the Head Strategist. No matter how well-made an organization was, there was a clear difference between one managed by its leader running around in person and one that was not. This was especially a time when the leader's diligence was needed, right after the organization's creation.

"Do you think the Second Young Lord will even acknowledge you for doing this?"

"Not Second Young Lord. It's Young Cult Leader."

"He's one and the same. Now that he's achieved his goal, you and the Demon Supremes will all get the cold shoulder. He'll shove you into a corner, and when he sees you, he'll probably say something like, 'Who were you again?' He won't even call you 'that strategist' anymore. He'll probably say, 'Get out of the way, you're a nuisance. The Young Cult Leader is passing through.' That's just how life is, even if you don't want it to be. Who wouldn't want to look out for themselves?"

Go Wol spoke while still looking at the baduk board and his book.

"Aren't you tired of saying that by now?"

"I'll say it again and again until the day I die. You'll hear it again and again. Listening like that is what close friends do."

"Then aren't we a little too close?"

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader said nothing more and walked to the window.

"It's not working! Pretending to be sulky."

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader, who had been walking to the window, turned naturally as if he hadn't been heading that way at all. This time, he walked to the bed. Just as he touched his forehead to feign a fever, Go Wol spoke first.

"Stop pretending to be sick, too!"

At that, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader finally returned to his original spot.

"Let's just bad-mouth the Second Young Lord. That's the most satisfying thing to do. Where were we?"

"'Get out of the way. The Young Cult Leader is passing through.'"

Even while claiming he was tired of it, Go Wol had been listening to everything.

"Now that he's become the Young Cult Leader and the Hidden Moon is complete, you're going to be pushed to the back burner. Sooner or later, he's going to casually ask what you think about merging the Hidden Moon with the All-Knowing Hall. What are you going to do then?"

"If he suggests we merge, then we'll have to merge."

"This is why you look so delicious to the Second Young Lord. He's going to tear off all your flesh and lick your bones clean."

Just then, a familiar voice came from behind them.

"You really are bad-mouthing me every time we meet."

Startled, they turned to see Geom Mugeuk standing there with a smile.

"You have an amazing talent for showing up only when we're bad-mouthing you," the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader said.

"Isn't it because you spend most of the day bad-mouthing me?"

"Sometimes I bad-mouth you all day and even in my sleep."

Though his words were harsh, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader's face was full of delight.

Geom Mugeuk politely greeted the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader with a clasped-hands gesture.

"You've worked hard, Cult Leader."

"Why are you suddenly acting like this? Is this some new technique of giving a rice cake to the one you hate?"

"I heard the news that the Hidden Moon is complete. If you hadn't been by his side helping, Cult Leader, things wouldn't have progressed so smoothly."

"So you two have been contacting each other again. Without me!"

This time, Go Wol politely bowed to Geom Mugeuk.

"I can finally greet you formally. Congratulations on becoming the Young Cult Leader."

"Your contribution was great."

"Even if you had propped up a broom in my place, it wouldn't have affected the grand scheme of things."

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader interjected. "Stop being so humble. People will think it's actually true. Tell him you worked yourself to death. No matter what you say, humans only think about how hard their own lives are."

Go Wol smiled. "Our Cult Leader worked very hard. Please acknowledge and praise him."

"You worked hard," Geom Mugeuk said.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader raised his voice. "Stop pretending to be nice and say what you really mean!"

Geom Mugeuk and Go Wol looked at each other and smiled.

Just then, Geom Mugeuk's gaze turned to the baduk board behind them.

"Are you finally becoming a perfect strategist who is also good at baduk?"

Geom Mugeuk walked toward the baduk board.

Go Wol stood with him in front of it.

"Shall we play a game?" Geom Mugeuk asked.

"I've just started learning, so I'm still a long way off."

Contrary to his words, however, the situation laid out on the board was far beyond a beginner's level.

"The fight over here is fierce," Geom Mugeuk noted.

Go Wol uttered a meaningful remark. "Doesn't it resemble the current situation?"

The moment he heard that question, Geom Mugeuk knew. Go Wol had already grasped everything that happened at the Hunan Branch. He thought that perhaps Go Wol had been playing baduk alone while pondering that very problem.

"This move was played to save stones that were meant to be sacrificed. It's too deep to be called a probing move, and somewhat reckless to be a move to rescue the sacrificial stones."

Go Wol's gaze shifted from the baduk board to Geom Mugeuk.

"It's the move the Murim Alliance played to save the Heavenly Peace Sect."

Indeed, Go Wol already knew the situation. Furthermore, he had even grasped things Geom Mugeuk did not know.

"Jin Hagun, the grandson of the Murim Alliance Chairman and the master of the Demon Slaying Brigade, invoked his unique authority to move the Murim Alliance. The Cult Leader accepted their demands. Of course, I understand it's customary that if we accept their demands like this, the Murim Alliance will accept a demand from our Cult later on."

Geom Mugeuk nodded. Since it was also a way of testing his son, his father was likely watching this move with great interest.

"But do they know what Seo Cheong did?"

"I believe they have grasped it to some extent."

Except for the main culprit, Seo Cheong, and Seok Pung, who exposed his crime, all the other members of the Martial God Society were released. Through them, word of what happened at the banquet must be spreading to some degree.

"And yet they're still pushing forward?"

"Because the gain is great enough to endure the criticism."

Geom Mugeuk shook his head. The Murim Alliance Chairman he had seen was a domineering but just man.

"Perhaps their grandson is also being tested."

Go Wol understood his meaning at once and nodded.

"How should we respond now?"

Geom Mugeuk had rushed all the way here to hear this answer.

It was worth the rush. Go Wol had already formulated a plan.

"The reason the Heavenly Peace Sect has been able to walk a tightrope between our Cult, the Murim Alliance, and the Evil Alliance until now is not just because of their own strength, but because of the thirty or so small and medium-sized sects that follow them, and most of them are not factions that follow the orthodox sects, but followers of our Cult and the Evil Alliance."

"They must be dissatisfied that the Heavenly Peace Sect has joined hands with the orthodox sects."

"That's right. We'll use this opportunity to absorb all of their sects. If we do that, the Murim Alliance will have made a lot of noise but gained nothing of substance."

"That's a really good plan!" Geom Mugeuk was greatly pleased.

However, Go Wol was also aware of the problems with his plan.

"The problem is the reaction of the Murim Alliance and the Heavenly Peace Sect when we do that. They certainly won't stand by idly, so we must prepare for it."

He was right. There was no way they would just watch such a situation unfold.

When conflict escalates, clashes can occur. As long as his father had ordered Seo Cheong's release, he couldn't engage in a power struggle with them.

After pondering for a moment, Geom Mugeuk picked up a white stone.

"They're trying to unreasonably save dead stones, so they must be punished. However…."

TAK!

Geom Mugeuk placed the stone in a different location from where the fight was unfolding.

"If I openly rush to capture them, they'll struggle desperately to live. So I think I'll make a move on the opposite side of where I intend to capture."

"A feint to the east while attacking the west," Go Wol said.

At Go Wol's words, Geom Mugeuk gave a meaningful smile.

"In reality, that person is to our east."

Geom Mugeuk raced toward the east.

The Swift Step, which he had completely mastered, made the Central Plains feel small to him.

Having run faster than a bird, Geom Mugeuk met him there. The welcome person he had wanted to meet was eating at an inn again today.

[I told you to eat a balanced meal, but you're still a picky eater.]

Bi Sayin chuckled at the incoming telepathy.

First Wolf, who was standing nearby, asked him, "Why are you smiling?"

"I was just thinking of a silly person."

After Yayul Han's death, Bi Sayin had completely seized real power. He had become the solid successor of the Evil Alliance in both name and reality, and many people followed him. It was safe to say that all of this was thanks to Geom Mugeuk.

[Let's meet at the cliff tonight.]

[Let's stop meeting now.]

That night, when Bi Sayin arrived at the cliff, Geom Mugeuk was sitting perched on the edge.

"I don't know why I get this urge to push you off whenever I see your back."

"Go ahead and give me a good shove today. Once you realize it's useless, you won't have such thoughts from now on."

Bi Sayin came and stood next to Geom Mugeuk.

"Why are you here again?"

"Why do you think? I came because I need your help."

"Why is the Demonic Cult always seeking help from the Evil Alliance?"

Though he said that, Bi Sayin's heart was pounding. Just when he was starting to feel bored with his repetitive daily life, Geom Mugeuk would suddenly appear before him like this.

Geom Mugeuk, still seated, looked up at Bi Sayin's face.

"Oh, from this angle, your face is quite handsome. Your scar looks cool from here, too. If you ever find a woman you love, be sure to have her sit here while you stand there."

"Stop with the nonsense and just state your business."

"Let's do one job together."

"What kind of job are you proposing?"

"Lately, the Murim Alliance has been getting greedy, but when it comes to greed, we're not people who would be left out, are we?"

Bi Sayin's expression turned slightly serious.

"Are you talking about the Heavenly Peace Sect matter?"

As expected, Bi Sayin already knew about the matter concerning the Heavenly Peace Sect. He had heard the news that the heir of the Heavenly Peace Sect had been captured by Geom Mugeuk. He had naturally expected them to request help from his side, but unexpectedly, they joined hands with the Murim Alliance. Because of that, the Evil Alliance and Bi Sayin had been on high alert.

"As I thought, you knew everything."

"How could I not know when you're causing such a ruckus? Even the kids playing in the neighborhood probably know."

"As you know, I like being the center of attention."

"So? Why did you come here?"

Separate from his goodwill toward Geom Mugeuk, this was a very important matter. It was about a major neutral power taking one side.

"We can't just stand by and watch, can we?"

"You should be able to handle this on your own, shouldn't you?"

He knew better than anyone how outstanding Geom Mugeuk was. That was why Bi Sayin was suspicious of Geom Mugeuk.

"Of course, I could have handled it alone. If it weren't for Father, that is."

"What do you mean?"

"An official order came down. To release the heir of the Heavenly Peace Sect. In other words, it means not to clash with them head-on."

"So? You're going to use me instead?"

"Something like that."

Bi Sayin said firmly, "I refuse."

As he was about to turn away, Geom Mugeuk said, "Let's split it three ways."

For a moment, Bi Sayin froze. How could he just leave after hearing those words?

"What do you mean?"

"The small and medium-sized sects that follow the Heavenly Peace Sect are mostly followers of our Cult and your alliance. They must be very dissatisfied with the Heavenly Peace Sect's arbitrary decision this time. Let's absorb all of them."

Bi Sayin was startled. He had been so focused on the Heavenly Peace Sect that he hadn't thought that far.

"Why are you giving me a chance instead of absorbing them all yourself?"

Geom Mugeuk answered honestly.

"For three reasons. First, as I said before, it's a difficult situation for me to move unilaterally and clash with them, but if you get involved, the situation changes."

"The second reason?"

"What's the point of forcibly dragging in those who want to be under you? They'll just betray us later. If we were in a desperate situation, we wouldn't care about the means, but I don't want to expand our influence just for show. That's the old way."

Bi Sayin's scar twitched. He wondered what hidden intentions Geom Mugeuk might have, but he couldn't figure it out. If his opponent were anyone else, it would be easier to grasp their intentions, but because it was Geom Mugeuk, it was truly difficult.

"What's the last reason?"

"Because I'm curious. As you know, the Heavenly Peace Sect has mainly interacted with our Cult and you, but when a crisis hit, they joined hands with the Murim Alliance. Shouldn't they have joined hands with you? Their lives and fates are on the line, yet they made a move that defies common sense. What on earth is the inside story? Who is the one leading this? Aren't you curious?"

Bi Sayin also answered honestly.

"I'm curious too. No, I'm more curious."

"In fact, I believe that reason alone is enough for you to get involved."

After pondering for a moment, Bi Sayin said abruptly, "What will you do if I get greedy? What if I try to absorb the Heavenly Peace Sect as well?"

The Heavenly Peace Sect had interacted with the Evil Alliance as much as with the Demonic Cult, so it wasn't impossible for them to join hands with the Evil Alliance.

"Be greedy."

"What?"

"If you can, join hands with the Heavenly Peace Sect."

"Do you hate those orthodox sects bastards that much?"

"That's not it. It's because I also intend to absorb the Heavenly Peace Sect. Since I desire it this much, it wouldn't be right not to acknowledge your desire. Let's compete. To see who gets the Heavenly Peace Sect."

Bi Sayin looked down at Geom Mugeuk without a word. From the first time they met until now, he made him feel like he was facing a wall. However, it wasn't a wall that crushed him. It was a wall he wanted to overcome. A wall that stimulated him not to stay as he was.

Bi Sayin said abruptly, "I feel like pushing you off again."

At that, Geom Mugeuk held out his hand, asking to be pulled up.

With a look of disbelief, Bi Sayin shook his head.

"I really think you need to get counseling from a divine physician."

"Even our Cult's demonic physician is head over heels for me, so that's impossible. If you won't help me up, I'll have to get up on my own. Oof. My back."

Geom Mugeuk got up from his spot, feigning pain.

Bi Sayin made his final decision.

"See you in Hunan."

It was his way of saying he accepted the proposal.

Geom Mugeuk said to him, "Bring some masters who can create an intimidating atmosphere. We don't know what might pop out from their side. Also, I need a justification to make a move."

At that, Bi Sayin said provocatively, "Can you handle it?"

"Why should I handle it? I'll call for them too. Demon Supremes who are even more terrifying than your people."

"You really never lose, not even once."

Bi Sayin turned and disappeared into the darkness.

"You're getting cooler and cooler!"

At the words coming from behind him, Bi Sayin ended up letting out a laugh.

When he turned back to say something, Geom Mugeuk was already gone. He was flying far away, among the stars in the night sky.

Looking up at Geom Mugeuk and the twinkling stars, Bi Sayin said softly, "I will be able to handle you. I will definitely become that kind of person."