Chapter 350: I Have a Knack for Being Targeted for Elimination

TL: FoodieMonster007

Pyo Jigwang knew the time had come to reveal the name. He finally spoke the mastermind's name.

"The person who came to me was Hwang Seokgyeong."

"Who is Hwang Seokgyeong?"

"He's an instructor at the Evil Alliance Pass."

The name was completely unexpected.

When someone joins the Evil Alliance, they first enter the Evil Alliance Pass. There, they receive the basic training required of a member and get assigned to an organization. They undergo a formal test, and the most skilled individuals naturally go to elite organizations. Hwang Seokgyeong was an instructor at that very place.

The revelation was truly a surprise. Geom Mugeuk had expected the mastermind to be a Commander, Director Seo, or someone of Elder rank, but an instructor who tests and assigns martial artists?

This fact made the situation feel even more dangerous.

"You believed a mere instructor?"

"He's not just any instructor. Everyone knows Instructor Hwang because he's so skilled. That's why I believed him."

Pyo Jigwang trusted him more precisely because he was an instructor at the Evil Alliance Pass. He thought an instructor from the pass seemed fitting for creating a secret organization. Since Hwang Seokgyeong was an instructor there, Pyo Jigwang naturally assumed he had the Alliance's permission.

Pyo Jigwang looked at Geom Mugeuk, relieved.

"Now that you know the name, you can escape the net. Go tell the Young Alliance Chairman who the mastermind is. Also, tell him I'll gladly accept my punishment."

If found guilty of treason, he would spend the rest of his life in prison.

Pyo Jigwang looked up at the sky. The heavy rain was finally subsiding.

It's all over now.

He felt relieved, yet a strange anger simmered within him. He was supposed to live his own life, but someone had played him for a fool. He couldn't take revenge himself. He couldn't defeat Instructor Hwang with his own hands.

Just then, Geom Mugeuk said something unexpected.

"He's probably just a subordinate."

"Just a subordinate?"

"The master of the Flowing Sword Sect said so. He said he received benefits from the Alliance. Instructor Hwang may be skilled and famous, but he's not powerful enough to grant benefits to the Flowing Sword Sect."

Hearing this, Pyo Jigwang realized it was true.

How did this young martial artist grasp a point I hadn't even considered so quickly?

"We have to find out who the mastermind is through him."

Pyo Jigwang had lived thinking that knowing about Instructor Hwang was a great secret, but he too was just a disposable pawn, moving on someone else's orders. If so, would an assassin be sent after him now that Instructor Hwang's identity was exposed?

"There's another problem," Geom Mugeuk pointed out, raising a point Pyo Jigwang had missed.

"Is there any proof that Instructor Hwang entrusted this task to you, Commander? A secret letter he wrote, or an order given in front of witnesses?"

Pyo Jigwang shook his head. Of course there was no such thing.

"Then Instructor Hwang will flatly deny ever ordering it."

That seemed likely. Hwang Seokgyeong had already sent an assassin to kill him. A man that shameless would have no conscience about speaking honestly. In contrast, Pyo Jigwang was a man who had lived a wrecked life. Whose words would they believe? The outcome was obvious.

"So, we can't catch him in the end?"

"No, we have to."

"……"

"We have to make him admit with his own mouth that he ordered this, and we have to find out who the mastermind is."

"So, how?"

Geom Mugeuk seemed to ponder for a moment.

"If he's dragged before the Young Alliance Chairman, he'll never open his mouth."

That was true. Raising a private organization without the Alliance's permission was a crime punishable by beheading. He would have no reason to talk.

Geom Mugeuk looked at Pyo Jigwang without a word.

"You don't mean… you're not suggesting the two of us meet him, are you?"

"No."

Geom Mugeuk made a startling suggestion.

"You must meet him alone, Commander."

Pyo Jigwang was startled.

"If you don't meet him alone, he'll never confess the truth."

"But he'll try to kill me."

"I'll hide and protect you."

Pyo Jigwang had never expected such a proposal from Geom Mugeuk. This young martial artist never moved as he predicted.

"So, you mean you'll hide from Instructor Hwang's sight and appear to save me when he tries to kill me?"

"That's right. You have to make him admit that he ordered this. It would be even better if he reveals the mastermind."

Pyo Jigwang worried. To avoid being spotted by Instructor Hwang, Geom Mugeuk would have to be quite far away. Could he really protect him from a sudden attack?

Then, a thought occurred to him. What if he died at Instructor Hwang's hands? His life should have ended today anyway. This was a chance to confront that bastard. He had to make him confess and pay for his crimes. He wouldn't go down alone.

Pyo Jigwang stared at Geom Mugeuk for a moment. When they first met yesterday, he never imagined he would reveal the mastermind to him. He also never thought Geom Mugeuk would save his life several times. Most of all, he was grateful that Geom Mugeuk had listened to his story.

"Fine. Let's do it."

As if the heavens acknowledged his resolve, the rain stopped and the sun began to shine.

"Well, let's go."

Pyo Jigwang walked off with long strides.

Geom Mugeuk spoke. "The way down is this way."

Pyo Jigwang changed direction and walked over. Geom Mugeuk smiled brightly at his awkward expression.

Don't smile so brightly. It makes me afraid to die.

Hwang Seokgyeong walked over from a distance.

Pyo Jigwang waited for him in front of his residence with a trembling heart. This was the first time he had sought Hwang Seokgyeong out. Hwang Seokgyeong would surely be surprised to see him.

"……"

He thought he heard the wind, and then he was suddenly in a tree. Someone had snatched him up and leaped into the air, sealing his acupoints in an instant. The person who subdued him and brought him up the tree was Geom Mugeuk.

Geom Mugeuk held a finger to his lips, shushing him.

What on earth is he doing?

Geom Mugeuk had been so confident until they arrived. He had told Pyo Jigwang not to worry, that he would protect him no matter what.

But why the sudden change?

Soon after, Hwang Seokgyeong leaped up to that very spot. The tree where the two had been was empty. Hwang Seokgyeong jumped down again and walked to his residence.

Geom Mugeuk and Pyo Jigwang were already far away.

Only after they were a safe distance from Hwang Seokgyeong's residence did Geom Mugeuk release Pyo Jigwang's acupoints.

"What on earth was that about?"

The reason was simple. Geom Mugeuk recognized the man's face.

Geom Mugeuk had used the Divine Eye Technique to observe Hwang Seokgyeong approaching from a distance. He recognized him immediately. He was no mere subordinate.

He was the Third King of the Twelve Zodiac Kings. The Brawling King Cheonya.

During the era when the Twelve Zodiac Kings ruled murim, the Brawling King was called the god of fighting. He loved to fight and hated to lose. Countless masters lost their lives at his hands. He was a man who had bet his life on fighting. His martial arts skill was said to be among the top three of the Twelve Zodiac Kings. Some said he was first, others said third. A rumor even claimed his dream was to defeat Hwa Mugi.

That Brawling King was living as a mere instructor in the Evil Alliance under the name Hwang Seokgyeong. A conspiracy was unfolding with him at its center.

"That man is not a fish you can catch with a net."

Pyo Jigwang's attention was no longer on Hwang Seokgyeong.

"You're not one of the Thirteen Evil Wolves, are you?"

Geom Mugeuk gave a faint smile.

"I've become more curious about who you are than who that man is."

"If I reveal my identity, I'll be targeted for elimination. Are you okay with that?"

"Don't worry. I have a knack for being targeted for elimination."

After the lighthearted exchange, Geom Mugeuk revealed his true identity.

"I am the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult, Geom Mugeuk."

For a moment, Pyo Jigwang froze. Normally, he would have disbelieved it, thinking, 'Bah, what nonsense.'

"You really are the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult."

He just knew. He knew this person was the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult. That single introduction explained all of his extraordinary qualities. It also explained why Pyo Jigwang himself had not died.

A wave of shock followed. The person who had listened so well to his story was the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult? The person who had saved him was the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult?

"Why is the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult here?" His voice trembled.

"I'm handling this matter together with your Young Alliance Chairman."

Even after revealing his identity, Geom Mugeuk still treated him with respect.

"What will happen to me now?"

Would he be dragged to the Demonic Cult? Was the part about being targeted for elimination not a joke?

"What would you like to happen?"

He had only thought of dying, never about the life that might come after.

"Think about it now."

The first thing that came to Pyo Jigwang's mind was this.

"I want to live a new life."

He wanted to leave everything behind and start over.

"But my sins are too great…"

He had, in effect, helped those who committed treason against the Alliance.

Geom Mugeuk stared at him intently before saying something incomprehensible.

"By any chance, are you good at giving shoulder massages?"

"Uwaaaaaaah!"

By the time Pyo Jigwang finished screaming, they had arrived. Geom Mugeuk had carried him on his back the whole way.

It was Geom Mugeuk's Swift Step, which had surpassed the tenth stage of complete mastery to reach the eleventh. His running speed was so fast that the surrounding scenery blurred. Pyo Jigwang felt the constant tension of falling off a cliff.

This is a dream.

That was his only thought. No master could run this fast, especially while carrying someone.

There was one thing he didn't know. Even while running, Geom Mugeuk had emitted qi to ensure the person on his back was comfortable. An ordinary person would not have been able to withstand this speed.

The place they arrived at was a manor. The name on the plaque was the Nirvana Dream, spelled with the character for 'wish' instead of 'manor'. This was the same place they had visited when Seo Daeryong was injured. It was here that Geom Mugeuk had gained Myriad Poison Immunity.

As they entered the courtyard, an old woman walked out from the building.

"Who have you brought on your back this time?" she asked.

It was the owner of this place, the Insect Physician. She still had a bandage wrapped around her arm and rubbed her shoulder as if it ached.

"Physician! I've missed you."

Geom Mugeuk ran up and lifted her into a hug.

"What are you doing? It's embarrassing."

"What do you mean? I'm just happy to see you."

He was so happy to see her after such a long time.

"Your skills have improved since I last saw you."

The Insect Physician, who was also well-versed in martial arts, recognized Geom Mugeuk's growth at a glance.

"It's all thanks to my dear older sister."

She shook her head with a look of disbelief at his playful 'older sister' comment, but she was very happy to see Geom Mugeuk. Although she didn't show it, her happiness was even greater than his.

"Who is that gloomy soul?"

It seemed she could see Pyo Jigwang's entire life just by looking at his face.

Geom Mugeuk introduced Pyo Jigwang.

"This is Pyo Jigwang, who served as the Black Dragon Commander of the Evil Alliance. Now, greet her. This beautiful lady is the Insect Physician."

Pyo Jigwang also knew of the Insect Physician.

"The Insect Physician? Aren't you the Divine Physician who is skilled with insects? I heard you're so skilled in medicine that you can cure all sorts of illnesses and even bring the dead back to life using insects."

He thought she was a figure of legend and was astonished that she actually existed, but why had Geom Mugeuk brought him here?

"You must have heard other rumors too, haven't you?"

At Geom Mugeuk's question, Pyo Jigwang glanced at the Insect Physician, unable to speak.

The Insect Physician herself answered instead.

"That I'm called a money-grubber because I'm obsessed with money?"

Geom Mugeuk told him the truth.

"She used that money to support abandoned children. She sends them food, sends them to schools, and sends them to martial arts academies. She provides them with a way to live and sends them out into the world. She is someone who has lived her entire life for orphans."

"I never realized you were such a wonderful person."

Pyo Jigwang politely performed a clasped hands greeting to show his respect.

"But why did you bring me here?"

"You said you were good at shoulder massages, right? The Insect Physician Elder often has aching limbs and needs someone to massage her shoulders."

It meant he was to become the Insect Physician's disciple and live a new life here.

"Give him a trial period, and if you decide he's not a good fit, feed him to your insects."

"You couldn't bring me a younger one?"

"Would any young fellow stick around in a backwater place like this these days? Besides, he's younger than he looks."

Pyo Jigwang couldn't bring himself to protest, 'What's wrong with my face!' He had been told a few times that he looked older than his age.

The Insect Physician sat down on a rock.

"Come here and massage my shoulders."

With a dazed heart, Pyo Jigwang went and massaged her shoulders. He could feel her bones, which were pitifully small and frail.

"Aigoo, that feels good," the Insect Physician said to Geom Mugeuk. "You didn't forget me."

"How could I forget you, Physician?"

She felt a surge of emotion. She had thought their connection was just a passing one, but Geom Mugeuk hadn't forgotten and had come to see her, even bringing a disciple. Lately, the thought of being forgotten had felt strangely sorrowful.

"I think I should be going now."

"At least stay for a meal."

"My next opponent is quite formidable. This time, I might be the one getting carried here."

Their gazes met. Don't get hurt. The Insect Physician's worry was conveyed through her eyes.

"If you're in that state, your opponent must already be on his way to the afterlife."

"Of course! The only one who recognizes my true worth is you, Divine Physician!"

As their conversation washed over him, Pyo Jigwang was lost in his own thoughts. One day he was confessing the mastermind, and the next he was suddenly the Insect Physician's disciple. Was it okay for a life to change so drastically?

Then he met the eyes of Geom Mugeuk, who stood before him. Geom Mugeuk spoke with clear, deep eyes.

"Whether it's the demonic path or the evil path, we must protect the children."

The moment he heard those words, Pyo Jigwang understood. He understood why Geom Mugeuk had brought him here. It was not for the Insect Physician, but for him. The Insect Physician had lived her entire life for orphans. In contrast, he had been in charge of sending children kidnapped by the Black Snake Society to the Evil Alliance. Although he hadn't committed the crime himself, he couldn't say he was without sin.

That was why Geom Mugeuk had brought him here. To atone for his sins while serving the Insect Physician. To live a second life. He had been given a new life when he should have spent his days in a dark prison. If not for Geom Mugeuk, his life would have already ended.

Sorrow and gratitude mixed together. An indescribably complex emotion swirled in his heart. A single tear fell.

DRIP.

Pyo Jigwang was flustered. He had never shed a tear in his life. He hadn't cried when told he could no longer use martial arts, nor when facing death, but now, tears were falling. Who was he to be given such a chance? A fool who just gets used by others?

When the startled man wiped his tears with his sleeve, Geom Mugeuk was already a dot in the distant sky. He had disappeared before Pyo Jigwang could even say thank you.

The words Geom Mugeuk had said when they first met came to mind.

When our meeting is over, I will disappear like smoke.

Thank you, Young Cult Leader.

The teardrop he had shed fell on the nape of the Insect Physician's neck. Feeling its warmth, the Insect Physician said in a loud voice.

"You brat, if you don't want to become insect food, massage harder!"