Chapter 341: Do You Believe Me? Do You Believe the Young Cult Leader?

TL: FoodieMonster007

The Demon Slaying Brigade martial artists removed the children from the crates. They carefully moved them to carriages waiting outside.

Geom Mugeuk and Jin Hagun stood side by side and watched.

"What on earth are you thinking?" Jin Hagun asked.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, why did you have to call the Evil Alliance?"

Geom Mugeuk's presence had made even the Blue White Dual Sword back down. He could have just taken Dae So away, yet, Geom Mugeuk had insisted on calling the Evil Alliance.

"He claims he's being wronged," Geom Mugeuk said. "I'm just trying to handle things fairly."

"As if you'd be so considerate of a villain's feelings."

Jin Hagun sensed there was another reason why Geom Mugeuk had called the Evil Alliance.

Could it be that he wanted to see Bi Sayin?

He could only guess at Geom Mugeuk's true intentions.

This time, Geom Mugeuk asked a question. "What do you plan to do about those bastards from the Black Snake Society?"

The Black Snake Society had kidnapped the children. They must have made a fortune from it. Even without the Flowing Sword Sect, they would continue their kidnappings.

"Once we secure evidence through the Flowing Sword Sect's leader, I'll make sure they're punished."

Jin Hagun stated his resolve firmly, but it would not be an easy task.

The Black Snake Society was a vast organization with roots all over the Central Plains. They had recruited many masters with immense profits from all sorts of ventures. They were also known to provide significant financial support to the Evil Alliance.

"It won't be easy," Geom Mugeuk noted.

"Even so, we can't just let those who kidnap children go free, can we?"

Geom Mugeuk smiled at Jin Hagun's spirit. Jin Hagun sensed it was a smile of acknowledgment and felt pleased.

There is a certain thrill in being acknowledged by an enemy, especially if that enemy is Geom Mugeuk.

"Let's start by changing the name of the Demon Slaying Brigade," Geom Mugeuk suggested. "How about the Evil Slaying Squad or the Villain Slaying Squad? Is there any need to slay demons like us when we're being so well-behaved these days?"

Jin Hagun looked at Geom Mugeuk in disbelief. Inwardly, however, he agreed. The term 'demon slaying' seemed unnecessary for the Demonic Cult led by Geom Mugeuk. Of course, Jin Hagun did not reveal this thought.

"You're only well-behaved these days. How do we know when you'll cause a ruckus again?"

"Don't you know? I love peace."

"I don't. I only know that wherever you go, blood flows freely."

"That's because villains flock to wherever I go."

A thought crossed Jin Hagun's mind as they talked. If things continued like this, they might really have to change the Demon Slaying Brigade's name. The Demonic Cult of today was certainly different.

While the Demon Slaying Brigade martial artists took the children out, only three or four members remained by Jin Hagun's side.

On the other hand, the Flowing Sword Sect still had numerous masters. An invisible war of nerves unfolded between them and the Demon Slaying Brigade. Despite being outnumbered, the Demon Slaying Brigade martial artists showed no fear, a clear sign of their training.

Dae So walked up to the two men.

"I've sent an urgent messenger pigeon to the Evil Alliance," Dae So said, looking relaxed. "Someone from the Evil Alliance should arrive as soon as possible."

Jin Hagun told him, "Until then, I believe our Sect Leader will have to stay with us."

"I wouldn't leave even if you pushed me out the door."

His attitude was different from when he had begged them to call the Evil Alliance.

"It'll take a while for someone from the Evil Alliance to arrive, so I'll host you comfortably. Let's go inside and have a drink first."

He was confident the problem would be resolved once someone from the Evil Alliance arrived. Since he had explained the situation, at least someone of Commander rank or higher would come. The Evil Alliance would never let him be dragged away by these people.

"It's stuffy in here," Geom Mugeuk said. "Let's get out."

Geom Mugeuk walked out of the warehouse.

The Flowing Sword Sect martial artists gathered at the entrance parted to the left and right, making a path.

Among them were the Blue White Dual Sword. They had berated Dae So for making them confront the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult. They seemed like they would have left in anger, but they still lingered near Dae So.

Geom Mugeuk guessed they had a deep connection with the Flowing Sword Sect, whether for money or some other reason.

The Blue White Dual Sword still couldn't believe Geom Mugeuk had overwhelmed them with his presence alone. Did we fall for some kind of trick? Or were we just mistaken for a moment?

As Geom Mugeuk walked out, he glanced at the two of them. The moment their eyes met, all of the Blue White Dual Sword's doubts vanished. Their survival instincts scolded them. For masters like you, feeling it once should be enough!

Geom Mugeuk came outside, followed by Jin Hagun. The carriages carrying the children departed, escorted by some of the Demon Slaying Brigade.

Dae So subtly asked Geom Mugeuk, "Young Cult Leader, why don't you call for your people?"

"That's because of our Sect Leader here."

"Because of me?"

"The fewer people there are, the more options our Sect Leader has, wouldn't you agree?"

"Options?"

"The option to kill us, of course."

"No matter how bold I may be, how could I dare commit such an act?"

Dae So was inwardly startled. His question about why the demon followers were not coming had included a tiny bit of the intention Geom Mugeuk mentioned. He had to be prepared for any possibility.

"Now seems like the perfect opportunity," Geom Mugeuk continued. "A good number of the Demon Slaying Brigade have left. How about it? You could kill us all and claim the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult and the leader of the Demon Slaying Brigade fought to mutual destruction. You seem to have a talent for making shameless, baseless claims."

If the Blue White Dual Sword had not been suppressed by Geom Mugeuk's presence, this might have become his final option.

"How could I possibly dare? Now, it's cold, so please, let's go inside."

Jin Hagun said, "We'll stay here."

"It's cold. Please go inside."

"We're fine."

The Demon Slaying Brigade pitched tents in the Flowing Sword Sect's training ground and made their quarters there. They did not want to be entertained by members of the unorthodox sects. It was also safer to be in an open space than to enter the enemy's interior.

"Then, Young Cult Leader, you should go inside," Dae So offered.

"I'll stay with you," Geom Mugeuk replied to Jin Hagun.

Jin Hagun nodded to his subordinate. "Prepare a place for the Young Cult Leader to rest as well."

The Demon Slaying Brigade martial artists lit a bonfire in the training ground.

Although he had given the order himself, Jin Hagun found the scene very unfamiliar. Camping and lighting a bonfire in the training ground of an unorthodox sect? He felt that since meeting Geom Mugeuk, he was experiencing all sorts of strange things.

The more he got to know the man named Geom Mugeuk, the more surprising his experiences became. That must be why. In a situation like this, where he normally would have been too on edge to get a wink of sleep, he felt at ease.

And through this camping trip, Jin Hagun came to know one thing for certain.

Geom Mugeuk did not waste a single moment. Judging by his usual behavior, one would expect him to wander around teasing the Flowing Sword Sect martial artists or pestering Jin Hagun for a drink, but Geom Mugeuk had secluded himself in a tent, quietly circulating his qi and immersing himself in training.

His composure and confidence must stem from this effort. This man was truly not to be taken lightly.

News finally reached Dae So that someone from the Evil Alliance had arrived.

"Who came?"

His subordinate, Man Hong, reported with a shocked expression. "The Young Alliance Chairman has come."

"What?"

Dae So was stunned. He had requested they send someone of high rank, but he never expected the Young Alliance Chairman himself to come.

"Why did the Young Alliance Chairman come?"

"It seems he came personally after hearing that the heirs are here."

"But why?"

For him, who did not know the relationship between the three, it was a natural question.

Originally, if a Commander-level figure had come, he planned to escape this crisis by showering him with bribes.

Is he trying to abandon me?

An unexplainable doubt bloomed in Dae So's mind.

"Let's go out for now."

Dae So hurried outside with Man Hong.

A group of martial artists entered the Flowing Sword Sect. The person leading them was the Evil Alliance's heir, Bi Sayin. Those following him were the Thirteen Evil Wolves.

The scars on Bi Sayin's face were cut, crushed, and distorted, so frightening it was hard to look at him directly. His aura was dark and cold. His appearance was unchanged, but his eyes were different from the last time he met Geom Mugeuk. They were the eyes of a much more mature person.

"We greet the Young Alliance Chairman!"

The Flowing Sword Sect martial artists all prostrated themselves at once. The Blue White Dual Sword were no exception. To unorthodox sects, the heir of the Evil Alliance held absolute authority.

Dae So prostrated himself with them. "It's truly an honor to meet you, Young Alliance Chairman."

"It is good to meet you. All of you, rise."

Dae So and the Flowing Sword Sect martial artists rose.

"I don't know if you remember me, but I met you at the Evil Alliance when you first became the heir."

"I remember."

"It's such an honor that a person of your stature has come here personally."

Dae So bowed deeply once more. An unexpected person had arrived, but his life and death now depended on Bi Sayin.

Bi Sayin's gaze turned to Geom Mugeuk.

Geom Mugeuk was squatting in the yard, warming himself by the bonfire.

Bi Sayin had come knowing that Geom Mugeuk was here. If it were not for him, he would not have come himself. Even so, the moment he saw Geom Mugeuk, he could not stop his heart from stirring.

"It's cold. Come over here and warm yourself by the fire." Geom Mugeuk waved his hand and smiled brightly.

Unaware of their relationship, Dae So's voice grew louder. "That is the Evil Alliance's Young Alliance Chairman. Show some respect!"

Geom Mugeuk looked at Bi Sayin and said, "Your Young Alliance Chairman isn't the only important person here. We're important people too."

Seeing his eyes twinkle with mischief, Bi Sayin thought, So I've met Geom Mugeuk again.

Geom Mugeuk shot to his feet and showed exaggerated respect. "It is an honor to meet you, Young Alliance Chairman!"

Seeing the playful, deep bow, Dae So made a huge miscalculation.

It worked! He's scared! The Young Alliance Chairman's foul appearance did the trick.

He never imagined the two were exchanging telepathy.

[Are you eating well? Not being a picky eater?]

His first telepathic message is about my eating habits? I swear, I'm going to push him off a cliff one day.

[Seeing as your tiresome nagging is the same as ever, you must not be a fake Young Cult Leader.]

[You've gotten more handsome than before.]

[What are you trying to ask for now, laying the groundwork like this?]

[You, and Commander Jin too. You all know me too well now!]

Just then, Jin Hagun walked out from a tent. Bi Sayin knew Jin Hagun was here too, but he did not know they would be camping.

Bi Sayin and Jin Hagun silently exchanged a clasped hands greeting. They were not as familiar as he was with Geom Mugeuk. Of course, they did exchange a conversation with their eyes.

[Did you get caught up in this man's schemes again?]

[You know it too, don't you? That you can't avoid him just by trying.]

[You're right. If I could, I wouldn't be here either.]

After finishing their silent greeting, Bi Sayin walked to the bonfire and sat down.

"Sect Leader, you come here as well."

"……"

Dae So headed over with a bewildered heart. Why the bonfire? He had a bad feeling.

They all sat around the bonfire. Behind Bi Sayin stood the Thirteen Evil Wolves, and behind Jin Hagun stood the Demon Slaying Brigade. A tense atmosphere flowed between them. Regardless of their leaders' relationship, they were like sworn enemies.

"What happened?" Bi Sayin asked.

Dae So explained the situation favorably to himself. "My subordinate made a mistake while rescuing children with martial talent. He failed to confirm that the children were kidnapped by those bastards from the Black Snake Society. I knew nothing about it, but they're trying to frame me and drag me away."

Bi Sayin glanced at Geom Mugeuk.

"That's a lie," Geom Mugeuk said. "I personally heard the Flowing Sword Sect's leader talking with his subordinate. That man knew the children were kidnapped."

Dae So flatly denied it. "It's a lie. I knew nothing. This is a conspiracy by the orthodox sects and the Demonic Cult to eliminate my sect."

He tried to escalate the issue into a conflict between the orthodox and unorthodox factions.

"Young Alliance Chairman, do you believe me? Or do you believe the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult?"

"Of course, I believe our Sect Leader."

However, Bi Sayin's gaze was directed at Geom Mugeuk. He believed Geom Mugeuk.

[What on earth do you want?]

There must be a reason why Geom Mugeuk called him here.

Instead of an answer, Geom Mugeuk threw a question at Dae So. "Why were you rescuing children with a talent for martial arts?"

"I intended to raise them as elites of my sect from a young age."

"Then let's see the children you bought before."

At that moment, Dae So flinched. "This is the first time I have bought children."

Geom Mugeuk stared at him intently. "It's not the first time, is it?"

"It is the first time. Why do you think it isn't?"

"Because I heard you, Sect Leader, talking with your subordinate."

Their conversation was not one you would have when buying children for the first time. It was clearly a frequent occurrence.

"The children you bought before, where are they now?"

"Didn't I say it was the first time?"

Then, truly unexpected words flowed from Geom Mugeuk's mouth. "The truth will be revealed if we have a confrontation with the leader of the Black Snake Society."

When he mentioned calling the leader of the Black Snake Society, Dae So was startled. Bi Sayin and Jin Hagun were also surprised.

"Will the leader of the Black Snake Society come to a place like this?" Even Jin Hagun, who asked the question, thought he would not come.

"He definitely won't come if we call him," Geom Mugeuk said. "But didn't someone who can summon him just arrive?"

Everyone's gaze turned to Bi Sayin.

"When the Evil Alliance's Young Alliance Chairman summons him, can he really ignore the call?"

Jin Hagun finally understood why Geom Mugeuk had called Bi Sayin here. It was to make him summon the leader of the Black Snake Society.

He intended to summon him directly and stop the kidnapping of children. He was trying to handle the Flowing Sword Sect's business and the Black Snake Society's at the same time. If he could persuade just one person, he could stop both the seller and the buyer.

This man, really.

Jin Hagun thought that this was a man who thought in ways that would never occur to him.

Meanwhile, Bi Sayin's expression grew serious.

[Do you have any idea how difficult a position that puts me in?]

[Isn't it more difficult that your people are kidnapping and trading children?]

There was no longer any trace of playfulness in Geom Mugeuk's expression or voice.

Bi Sayin remembered. Those eyes were the same ones he had when he asked that question long ago.

What is your way?

Now, Geom Mugeuk was waiting for the answer. Is your way one that permits the kidnapping and trading of children?

As the atmosphere shifted toward summoning the leader of the Black Snake Society, Dae So became desperate. If the leader came and revealed that he had sold children to him multiple times, his guilt would be confirmed. There was an even more serious problem than that.

Dae So's urgent telepathy flew to Bi Sayin.

[Absolutely not.]

To Bi Sayin's questioning gaze, an unexpected telepathic message was added.

[Those children… were being sent to the Evil Alliance.]