Chapter 361: If You Had a Son Like Me

TL: FoodieMonster007

Bi Sayin focused on recovering his body. He circulated his qi again and again.

After several qi circulation sessions, Bi Sayin rose. His entire body ached, but he refused to stay idle out of frustration.

Bi Sayin walked into the courtyard and found Geom Mugeuk looking up at the sky. He watched Geom Mugeuk's lonely back for a moment before approaching.

"What are you staring at so blankly?"

Geom Mugeuk turned to Bi Sayin and smiled. He smiled so easily now. He was always one step ahead in planning, execution, and even relationships.

Can I ever return a smile that bright? Can I completely shake off the suspicion that Geom Mugeuk is only meeting me to use me? It's a continuous cycle of trust and doubt.

"I'm trying to make a point of looking at the sky. When was the last time you looked at it?"

"It's been a while."

"Then come over here and let's look at it together."

Bi Sayin sat beside Geom Mugeuk and looked up at the sky.

"Your qi feels like the sea, so why do you like the sky so much?"

"I like the sea too. Let's go next time. We can hit on the female martial artists there."

Imagining Geom Mugeuk flirting with women at the beach is hilarious. How awkward would I look standing next to him?

"Is your body feeling a bit better?"

"I'm much better now."

"That's a relief."

Geom Mugeuk looked from Bi Sayin back to the sky. Bi Sayin joined him, watching the clouds drift silently.

"What kind of person is the Evil Alliance Chairman?"

Geom Mugeuk knew little about the Evil Alliance Chairman. They had all died before he could properly know them. His only information on either the Murim Alliance Chairman or the Evil Alliance Chairman came from historical records.

Bi Sayin hesitated, then sighed lightly. He had wondered what to say, only to realize he did not know his master well either.

"It hasn't been long since I started trying to see my Master clearly, so I don't know him well either."

Geom Mugeuk nodded at the honest answer.

"Actually, it's the same for me. I try so hard to see Father for who he is, but if you asked me about him, I wouldn't know what to say."

"Is it difficult because they're our fathers and Masters? Or is it just always this difficult?"

"Isn't it both?"

The two men looked at each other and smiled faintly. A smile now suited Bi Sayin's rough face.

"Are you nervous about meeting the Chairman?"

"I am."

"I think this is the first time I've seen you nervous."

"Before, I was just pretending to be strong. Now that we're friends, I'm being honest."

Bi Sayin shared his honest feelings too.

"I'm sorry for leaving this to you."

No matter how much it hurts, it's my duty to go. I should have gone myself, even in a cart. What would the Evil Alliance Chairman think if I sent Geom Mugeuk in my place while I'm perfectly alive?

He considered insisting on going himself or asking to go together. His instincts stopped him. They told him to leave it to Geom Mugeuk, to not cling to useless pride. He had to step in when needed and step back when required.

Instead, he wanted to say at least this.

"I'm receiving your help now, but there will be a time when I can help you."

"Isn't that why I asked for a favor in advance? To pull me along then. The more you get used to me, the more you'll realize I'm not that special. When that time comes, please think this way. Let's not let familiarity consume what's precious. Let's not ignore our old bond."

Is that really true? It seems like Geom Mugeuk will keep surprising me until my hair turns white. Even when I'm old, I'll probably be saying things like this. Isn't it about time you got tired? Please stop being so clever. Please stop surprising people.

Even if that was not the case.

The more I get used to you, the more I will respect you.

Bi Sayin still could not completely show his true feelings.

Just then, a safehouse member arrived with a letter. It was a secret message from the Evil Alliance.

"The Chairman sent word. He wants to see you separately."

First Wolf did it.

Bi Sayin looked at Geom Mugeuk. His fate now rested on this meeting.

"I'll be back."

As Geom Mugeuk rose, Bi Sayin stood with him. He almost joked about not getting scolded by the Chairman, but he held his tongue.

"Please, explain things well to the Chairman."

Prove my instincts were right this time too, my friend.

Geom Mugeuk arrived at a windy field. Baek Jagang already waited for him in the middle of the open space.

The moment Baek Jagang saw Geom Mugeuk approach, he knew.

He's definitely that man's son.

Geom Mugeuk revealed no demonic qi or special aura, but Baek Jagang knew instantly.

They look alike.

Geom Woojin's image overlapped with Geom Mugeuk's before separating again. Baek Jagang imagined the two walking side by side.

Well, in terms of looks, it's a bountiful harvest.

He was more handsome than Geom Woojin, whose appearance was cold and intense. Instead of an arrogant gaze, Geom Mugeuk's clear, deep eyes were captivating.

"Greetings to the Chairman."

Geom Mugeuk bowed respectfully.

Baek Jagang knew he was the Young Cult Leader but pretended otherwise.

"How can I believe you're the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult?"

He wanted to see how Geom Mugeuk would react.

Geom Mugeuk feigned a surprised expression.

"Who in this world would dare deceive the Evil Alliance Chairman?"

"The murim is full of masters. Such a person might exist. Is there any guarantee you're not an assassin sent to kill me?"

"If someone could assassinate the Evil Alliance Chairman while under his suspicion, they wouldn't be working as an assassin."

Baek Jagang's expression did not change. Finally, Geom Mugeuk touched his own face and exclaimed.

"Have you ever seen an assassin this handsome?"

Baek Jagang laughed in disbelief at the jest.

No one usually joked with him, so he was weak to this kind of humor. If Geom Mugeuk knew that, he was a clever young man indeed.

"Honestly, I've never seen an assassin."

"Of course not. What kind of fool would try to kill the Chairman?"

His casual words acknowledged and elevated the Evil Alliance Chairman. Just as with the Demon Supremes, he tried to please Baek Jagang without overt flattery.

Baek Jagang's first impression was strange. Geom Mugeuk was different from his father and from the Murim Alliance Chairman Jin Paecheon. Perhaps it was his small eyes, but it was hard to read his thoughts.

"Talk with me for a bit, and you'll think, 'Ah, this guy really is the Young Cult Leader.' By the time we part, you'll be so sad to see me go that you'll ask, 'Why don't you come to the Alliance with me?' After a few days, you'll be offering me the Grand Tutor's chair."

"You're quite full of yourself."

"If I didn't have this reckless confidence, how would I dare face the Chairman?"

Baek Jagang had been wary from the start, believing Geom Mugeuk bewitched people. He was confident he would not be swayed.

Still, the conversation was refreshing. It had been a long time since anyone had spoken so freely in front of him.

Especially someone who would say this.

"What do you think it would be like to have a son like me?"

"I would definitely hate it."

Baek Jagang answered firmly.

Honestly, me too.

Geom Mugeuk agreed. It would be more burdensome than hateful. In that respect, he thought he and Baek Jagang might have something in common.

Baek Jagang stared into Geom Mugeuk's clear eyes and asked.

"I heard you like to bewitch people."

"I just like people. That's why I'm often suspected of being a flatterer."

"That's because I've never seen a demonic practitioner who likes people."

"Today, you finally see one."

Baek Jagang stared intently at Geom Mugeuk. The rumors about his ability to detect lies were true. When someone lied, Baek Jagang felt it. Ah, this person is lying. Goosebumps would crawl up his neck.

"Please watch me today. Judge whether I'm bewitching you or if I simply like you."

He still sensed no lies from Geom Mugeuk. He was just curious about the source of this confidence. It was not easy to be so bold in front of him.

"Why did you ask to see me?"

"I asked to see you today to tell you the truth."

"What truth? That the Alliance's vice-strategist, the one set to become Head Strategist, is a traitor?"

"That's right."

"Not some evil truth steeped in the Demonic Cult's schemes?"

"Truth shines brightest in the darkest and most evil places."

Geom Mugeuk knew Baek Jagang would not accept it easily. Acknowledging it meant he and the Evil Alliance had been played by those bastards.

"Where is Sayin now?"

"He's recovering from his injuries at our Cult's safehouse."

As he spoke, Geom Mugeuk saw a flicker of annoyance and worry cross Baek Jagang's face.

"How badly was he hurt?"

"He sustained serious but recoverable injuries."

"Who did it?"

"Haven't you received a report yet? Then again, it's better to report late if you want to fabricate evidence. The Hellish Dual Swords ambushed the Young Alliance Chairman. Hyeok Sagun sent them."

Geom Mugeuk watched Baek Jagang's reaction.

Baek Jagang showed no emotion. He either had not yet decided who the traitor was, or he considered Geom Mugeuk's words a complete lie.

"And you didn't send them?"

"It was my first time meeting them. It was also my last."

Baek Jagang stared with his small eyes, as if trying to pierce through Geom Mugeuk.

Geom Mugeuk could have met the gaze calmly, but he deliberately averted his eyes as if afraid. It was a step back, a show of respect for the Evil Alliance Chairman.

"He's being protected by the Evil Eccentric of the Seven Evil Masters at our Cult's safehouse, so you don't have to worry. Ah, unless the Chairman doesn't trust the Evil Eccentric."

"At least he's not someone who would harm Sayin. I can't trust you, on the other hand."

"Please don't think of me as a demonic practitioner. Think of me as your disciple's friend. Trust your disciple's judgment more than me."

"A friend. I've never had one, so I wouldn't know."

He was a tough opponent. He seemed open and candid, yet his inner thoughts were hard to read.

"You'll know when you see Hyeok Sagun's next move."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm saying you should see who he frames. Hyeok Sagun will use this incident to eliminate his political rivals. He's probably planted all the evidence already. Watch carefully who he points his finger at."

Geom Mugeuk was not trying to change Baek Jagang's mind in one meeting. Haste always ruins things. The bigger the matter, the more a desire for quick results ruins everything.

He could leave now and meet again after Hyeok Sagun dealt with his rivals. He would meet him ten more times, or even a hundred if needed. He had to approach this matter with that mindset.

"I will see you again then so we can talk."

"There's no need for that."

"Pardon?"

"I understand. Take your hands off the Alliance's affairs now."

This was the exact reaction Geom Mugeuk had feared most. Whether Baek Jagang believed him or not, he was trying to make him back off.

"Go back to the Demonic Cult."

When Geom Mugeuk did not answer, Baek Jagang released his qi. The demonic energy flew toward Geom Mugeuk and pressed down on him.

His energy demanded an immediate answer, so powerful it was impossible to breathe. The Heavenly Demon Defense Art activated on its own to protect Geom Mugeuk's body.

Normally, he would have joked, "I'm going, I'm going right now," and retreated. There was no need to reveal his skills.

However, Geom Mugeuk held his ground. His instincts told him to.

I have to endure this.

He even adopted a relaxed expression, as if to provoke Baek Jagang.

Baek Jagang's demonic qi grew stronger. The energy swirled around Geom Mugeuk like a tornado, its force shattering rocks and sending them flying.

Baek Jagang's power was immense. If not for his instincts, it was a dangerous energy he should never have tried to withstand.

Nevertheless, Geom Mugeuk endured.

Just as Baek Jagang's demonic qi peaked, Geom Mugeuk's expression brightened and he shouted.

"I did it!"

At the same time, unable to hold on, Geom Mugeuk flew backward and tumbled across the ground.

Only then did Baek Jagang withdraw his demonic qi.

Baek Jagang approached, wondering why the boy had endured. Geom Mugeuk shot to his feet and announced.

"Thanks to you, Chairman, I've achieved a new level in my martial arts."

While withstanding Baek Jagang's demonic qi, the Heavenly Demon Defense Art had reached complete mastery. His recent training had stimulated it, and today it yielded an unexpected result.

Geom Mugeuk had never dreamed he would master the Heavenly Demon Defense Art in this meeting. The ways of great martial arts were truly unpredictable.

Geom Mugeuk gave a deep, formal bow.

Baek Jagang was startled. He never expected the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult to bow to him.

"The Chairman must have guessed why I was holding on and sent your energy until the very end. Thank you so much."

Of course, that was not why Baek Jagang had pushed him. He wanted to know the extent of Geom Mugeuk's martial skill. A small part of him also thought, How dare he arrogantly endure?

"Why are you telling me this? You didn't have to say anything, did you?"

"I have to tell you if I want to thank you. It's an achievement I made thanks to the Chairman, after all."

Baek Jagang had met Geom Mugeuk with great suspicion and was not particularly impressed. He was well-spoken, witty, and smart. That was all. How could anyone be bewitched by a guy like this?

But to bow without hesitation and express gratitude like this?

Come to think of it, he had not felt goosebumps on his neck even once today.

"Your father won't be pleased when he finds out, will he?"

Baek Jagang recalled the arrogant Heavenly Demon's displeased expression.

"If he knew you helped his son reach a new level, he would thank you, Chairman. He'd probably tell me to bow ten times if I had to. Father isn't someone who would ruin the greater good for his pride."

It was a comparison with the Heavenly Demon, a provocation Baek Jagang could never avoid.

Well, look at this rascal?