Chapter 323: If You're Going to Compare, Do It This Way

TL: FoodieMonster007

Geom Mugeuk and Jo Baekta stood in the Cult Leader's Hall.

The hellish, illusory world that had filled with blood vanished in an instant.

Jo Baekta stared at Geom Mugeuk with a dazed expression. Just a moment ago, blood had poured into his nose and mouth. He had despaired, thinking he was truly dying.

Are we dead?

The moment felt too vivid for him to believe he was dead.

Jo Baekta touched his face, then looked around again. He was not dead. Geom Mugeuk, who stood calmly before him, was also clearly alive.

"……How did this happen?"

Geom Mugeuk had dispelled the space Jo Baekta created with the Angcheon Hyeolryeong Art. He then used the Spacetime Manipulation Technique to create a nearly identical space.

Jo Baekta did not know Geom Mugeuk could use the Spacetime Manipulation Technique. He naturally assumed they had returned to the space he himself had created.

From the moment Geom Mugeuk deployed the technique, all his words and actions had been an act. It was all to discover a single fact. Now, he knew who the Illusion King was.

Unaware of the situation's inner workings, Jo Baekta could not comprehend what was happening.

"I'm asking what you did."

The mission was not yet over. Resolving the conflict between Jo Baekta and the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader was as important as killing the Illusion King. To Geom Mugeuk, it was even more important.

"I am the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult."

He did not mention learning the Spacetime Manipulation Technique from the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader. Jo Baekta already resented his master, and such a statement would only wound his pride.

"Are you saying you were the one who broke the illusion?"

Jo Baekta did not realize Geom Mugeuk's goal had been to identify the Illusion King, so he ignored what Geom Mugeuk had said about the painter. He was only curious about how they had escaped that space.

"Did you say we've grown complacent, relying only on the Nine Calamities Demonic Art? Who in the world said that? A person who'd say such a thing has likely never met me or Father, nor have they even visited our Cult. Why do you believe such a person?"

The words struck a nerve. Jo Baekta could not reply.

"For now, come with me."

"Where are we going?"

"Don't you have things you need to sort out with your Master?"

Jo Baekta had just poured out his heart about his master while drowning in blood.

The thought of actually meeting his master and saying those things made his chest tighten. He had only spoken of his master because he faced death. He lacked the confidence to reveal his feelings face-to-face.

"I have nothing to sort out with my Master."

Geom Mugeuk did not insist. He knew things would be different once the two of them were actually face-to-face. The important thing was to get him there, one way or another.

"Very well. It's a matter between the two of you, so I won't interfere. Still, let's go. I have something to say in front of everyone."

Jo Baekta, still curious about how they had escaped the illusion, nodded his head.

"Let's go."

He then left the Cult Leader's Hall with Jo Baekta.

"Your Young Cult Leader bought these swords for you all."

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader handed the swords he had bought from the New Champions Smithy to the bodyguards. He did not take credit for himself. Instead, he said they were a gift from Geom Mugeuk, who had come all this way for his sake.

"Where is the Young Cult Leader?"

"He's stopping by the Cult Leader's Hall. He told me to give these to you first."

The bodyguards were overjoyed after inspecting the swords. What could be a better gift for a martial artist than a weapon? Moreover, the swords they received were better quality than their own.

"Famous swords and treasured swords are all fine, but the best weapon for a martial artist is one that feels like an extension of their own hand. The problem is, a time will inevitably come when that best weapon breaks, and you'll have to fight with another. Therefore, until you reach a level where you can fight with a fallen tree branch like your Young Cult Leader, you should train with a variety of swords. A martial artist is one who prepares in advance. A wary martial artist is one who lives a long life."

He spoke as if offering wisdom, but his words were imbued with his own hard-won enlightenment.

The bodyguards all expressed their gratitude in unison with a clasped hands greeting.

Leaving them behind, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader entered his residence.

The Demonic Buddha sipped tea while looking over the illustrations of poisonous herbs the Poison King had given him.

"Are you seriously planning to dig those up?"

"I plan to try digging them up on my way back after we've finished our business here. There are quite a few that can't be harvested once the weather gets colder."

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader knew very well what kind of person the Demonic Buddha used to be. He found it hard to adjust to this new side of him.

"I didn't realize you were this close with the Poison King."

"That's not the reason," the Demonic Buddha said unexpectedly.

"Have you ever tried something new? I don't mean the repetitive tasks you performed as the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader, but something entirely new."

Of course, he had. He had personally recruited people and purchased secret maps. Most things he did while traveling the Central Plains with Go Wol to create the Hidden Moon had been new experiences.

"For me, it was gathering herbs. The joy of finding an herb I was searching for was something I'd never experienced before in my entire life."

Furthermore, the Poison King had been genuinely delighted by the poisonous herbs he had gathered. Had his actions ever made someone so happy before?

Surprisingly, it was the first time. He had never seen such a reaction from his family, nor in his life as a martial artist. It was the same even when he became a Demon Supreme. Was there ever any reason for someone to be that happy because of him?

"I've lived my entire life making others fear me……"

That was why he never knew what it felt like to make someone happy. He never thought he could feel a greater joy from another's happiness than from his own achievements.

For a moment, the two men were lost in their own thoughts. The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader felt he was likely the person who could best understand the Demonic Buddha's heart.

"How did things go on your end?"

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader told the Demonic Buddha what had happened at the New Champions Smithy.

"Your disciple has been quite busy, it seems."

"Who can I blame?"

"Aren't you the type who always blames others?"

"That's right, and you were always good at making such spiteful remarks."

The two men looked at each other and smiled. Such caustic banter felt unfamiliar now. If only one of them had changed, they would not have been able to laugh like this, but both had changed, and both were content with that transformation.

The person who had decisively influenced both of their changes was one and the same.

"And the Young Cult Leader?"

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader replied, his gaze fixed on the distant Cult Leader's Hall outside the window.

"He went to see that disciple of mine. He went with firm resolve, so by now, he's likely peering into the black hole in that disciple's heart."

Geom Mugeuk and Jo Baekta entered the residence.

Seeing his disciple arrive with Geom Mugeuk, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader intuited that Geom Mugeuk had discovered something.

"Master."

"Welcome, Cult Leader."

Unlike their last meeting, Jo Baekta acted awkwardly toward him. Certain that something must have happened, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader sent a telepathic message to Geom Mugeuk.

[Did you find out what hidden card that disciple of mine was holding?]

[I even found out who is backing him.]

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader thought in admiration. He truly is the Young Cult Leader. After all, even he had been utterly helpless. How could his disciple have possibly managed?

[Why did you bring my disciple here?]

[It seems he has something to sort out with you, Cult Leader, but he won't be willing to open his heart easily.]

The Demonic Buddha moved to excuse himself.

"I will step out for a moment."

Then Geom Mugeuk said to him, "Please stay, the Demonic Buddha."

Right now, Jo Baekta wanted someone to acknowledge the pain he had suffered. Since he had already spoken to Geom Mugeuk, Geom Mugeuk thought the Demonic Buddha's presence might help him open his mouth. Sometimes, a third-party witness is more necessary than the people directly involved.

Geom Mugeuk, Jo Baekta, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader, and the Demonic Buddha sat down around the table.

"What exactly did you bring me here to say?"

"First, I believe you should tell your Master what you told me."

Jo Baekta's expression hardened instantly.

"I told you clearly that I have nothing to sort out with my Master."

"Then your Master will go his entire life without knowing what is in your heart. Is that what you want?"

Of course, that was not what Jo Baekta wanted, but he was still reluctant to tell his master about his feelings from back then. He did not want to look like a child throwing a tantrum, and he no longer desired to look good in his master's eyes.

Just then, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader spoke first.

"Did you resent me?"

"No. I don't resent you. What is there to resent? If anything, I should be grateful that you chose me to be the Cult Leader."

Everyone could feel the deep resentment laced in Jo Baekta's words. He was really saying, I have always resented you, Master.

Geom Mugeuk was curious to see how the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader would react.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader had resolved that he would never forgive his disciple if he had killed Elder Seong. In this situation, not knowing whether Elder Seong was alive or dead, could he truly treat his disciple gently?

After staring silently at Jo Baekta for a long moment, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader spoke in a low voice.

"I am sorry, my disciple."

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader apologized with sincerity.

This, in turn, flustered Jo Baekta. He had never expected his master to apologize like this.

"Why are you apologizing? I told you, I don't resent you, Master."

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader simply looked at him without a word.

The moment their eyes met, Jo Baekta felt a surge of emotion welling up inside him. That look in his eyes, as if he understood everything! That kind of gaze was so infuriating.

"Isn't everyone just living their own life?"

In the past, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader would have exploded in anger. He would have roared about such pathetic whining, shouting that what Jo Baekta had received was the throne of the supreme ruler of the Outer Regions. He would have yelled that it was not a position obtained so easily, without pain or sacrifice.

But the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader apologized again.

"I am sorry."

Geom Mugeuk could sense that the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader had grown. Jo Baekta did not know how difficult it was to offer such an apology in this moment. Regardless of the outcome concerning Elder Seong, he was apologizing for what needed an apology.

"Why do you keep apologizing? I'm telling you, I'm fine!"

Jo Baekta shot to his feet, ready to storm out.

Just then, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader said, "I never had any intention of advancing into the Central Plains. I liked the Outer Regions."

"Then why did you always talk about advancing into the Central Plains?"

"Yes, I was always singing the tune of advancing into the Central Plains. That was because my heart and my mouth were not in sync."

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader let out a sigh.

"Because I, like you, grew up hearing only those words. My Master, and my Master's Master before him, all lived and breathed the wish of advancing into the Central Plains. Eventually, it became a wish that was not truly my own."

"So that's it? It's always the same with you. Master, you were always someone who only thought of yourself. You say you liked the Outer Regions after you left for the Central Plains? Do you really expect me to believe that now?"

Geom Mugeuk sensed it. In that moment, Jo Baekta was thinking of the Illusion King. He was comparing his master to him.

Now was the time for him to step in. This reconciliation would never be possible without the truth about the Illusion King.

"That painter is someone who approached you intentionally, Cult Leader."

Jo Baekta flinched at Geom Mugeuk's words. Soon after, however, he responded coldly.

"Don't be ridiculous."

Geom Mugeuk did not try to persuade him with emotion. He simply stated the facts.

"It wasn't just you. These people have infiltrated our Cult and the Murim Alliance as well."

"!"

It was a shocking revelation, and Jo Baekta was stunned.

"This has already happened, so the facts can be verified."

"I can't believe it."

"On our side, they targeted the Soul-Stealing Demon Supreme, and in the Murim Alliance, they targeted the Chairman's grandson. I will have our Cult's the All-Knowing Hall officially deliver the facts to you."

Jo Baekta grew flustered as specific details were mentioned.

"Why do you think I am here? As you yourself said, neither the Cult Leader nor the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult has ever officially visited the Heavenly Wind Cult. Why would I have come all this way in person?"

At the end of this string of truths, Geom Mugeuk asked a question.

"Cult Leader, have you ever suspected him, even once?"

Of course, he had not. For a moment, his heart sank. Now that he thought about it, he had never once suspected the man. He had met him naturally, came to trust him, and had continued to do so until now.

Jo Baekta tried to deny Geom Mugeuk's words.

"What kind of trick are you trying to pull now?"

He was the type to be suspicious of everything, so why had he never suspected that man?

"The one pulling tricks is him. He exploited your resentment toward your Master to win your heart. If my words are lies, then I, with the authority of the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, will permit your unification of the Outer Regions. No, we will support your unification of the Outer Regions."

Jo Baekta was taken aback.

"Are you serious?"

"I am."

Geom Mugeuk revealed his honest intentions.

"Do you know why I'm handling this in such a troublesome way? I could just seal your acupoints, put you to sleep, and deal with him myself."

He was right. His inner arts were still suppressed. If they put him to sleep and the three of them went after the painter, he would not be able to handle them.

"Then why are you doing this?"

"Your Master said it. He said that even if he could go back in time, he would still choose you as his successor. That there was no one else but you."

"!"

"This isn't for your sake. I want to prove that he chose his disciple well. I don't wish for him to carry the scars of this incident for the rest of his life. For his sake, I am willing to endure even greater trouble."

At Geom Mugeuk's words, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader felt a surge of emotion. They were more moving than anything Geom Mugeuk had ever said to him. In that moment, the distance between the two of them closed by another step.

Jo Baekta, for his part, looked at the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader with a subtle and complicated expression.

"You said that man told you how you should live and what a great person you are?"

Geom Mugeuk remembered his exact words from within the Spacetime Manipulation Technique.

"You shouldn't compare that man and your Master that way. It isn't difficult to become a hero to someone who needs a person to lean on. If you must compare, then compare what that man is willing to give up for you. Your Master gave up his position as Cult Leader. He rushed all the way here the moment he heard you were in danger. Now, go and test for yourself what that man is willing to give up, what he is willing to do for you."

Only then did Jo Baekta understand Geom Mugeuk's intention. He wanted him to uncover the man's true identity for himself, all out of a desire for him to reconcile with his master.

"What will you do if I pretend to test him, but instead tell him everything through telepathy?"

Then you will die by my hand, along with that villain.

Instead of voicing that cold reality, Geom Mugeuk looked at the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader and spoke calmly.

"The one I trust is not you, but your Master. I trust that he would not, at the very least, have passed down the position of Cult Leader to a complete and utter fool."