Chapter 370: Raise Your Hand If You Think He's Ugly!

TL: FoodieMonster007

"First, please circulate your qi."

Bi Sayin worried about the Evil Eccentric. His complexion was so pale that he looked ready to collapse at any moment.

"Don't worry. I've been through worse than this and come out fine."

Before sitting down, the Evil Eccentric glanced at the corpse of the New Moon Blade.

He saw the image of the Light Flash's corpse overlapping the body. He also saw the form of the Thousand Armed Sword of the Hellish Dual Swords. The day had come when he would kill members of the Seven Evil Masters with his own hands.

When life changes drastically, it strikes like an assassin's throwing knife. It never gives a warning.

Even while doing various jobs for the Evil Alliance, the Evil Eccentric had always kept one foot back. He was always prepared to pull out if things went south. That was the kind of man he had been.

He had waded in too deep.

However, as he had told Bi Sayin earlier, this feeling was not bad. It was certainly awkward to do something for someone else.

The Evil Eccentric sent a telepathic message to one person.

[Is this what it is normally like?]

The recipient was Geom Mugeuk. He had asked abruptly, without context, but Geom Mugeuk answered without hesitation.

[This is just the beginning.]

Did he know what I was asking to give such an answer?

[Then what happens later?]

[You will regret it. You'll think, Why did I get so involved and put myself through this? You might even die because of those unfitting emotions.]

Geom Mugeuk knew exactly what he was being asked and answered accordingly.

[But it will be different when you die.]

[How?]

[At least you won't leave behind words like 'this feels disgusting' like the New Moon Blade did. You will leave different words. I will listen carefully to the very end.]

[I'll live longer than you. I'll show you the tenacious life of the unorthodox sects.]

The Evil Eccentric closed his eyes and began his qi circulation exercise.

Geom Mugeuk's gaze turned to Baek Jagang.

Feeling the gaze on him, Baek Jagang looked over.

After drawing his attention, Geom Mugeuk immediately looked at the Brawling King. His gaze said it all.

I will handle the Brawling King now, so please watch over your disciple for a moment.

The Brawling King was an opponent one could not ignore for even a moment.

Then, Geom Mugeuk sent a telepathic message.

[What you see may not be everything. This is a conspiracy aimed at none other than the Chairman.]

Geom Mugeuk then gave an extreme example.

[Father could walk out from those bushes back there.]

To think he could speak so pleasantly while reminding me of the danger!

Baek Jagang once again felt a strong sense of jealousy toward Geom Woojin.

I admit, you've had a bountiful harvest with your son.

He admitted it was not just a good harvest, but a great one.

But isn't farming something you do every year?

There was hope. After all, the Evil Eccentric had stepped up for Bi Sayin. Winning over such a difficult person meant that Bi Sayin now had the capacity to gain a true supporter.

Geom Mugeuk sent another telepathic message.

[You must not be harmed in the slightest. I will help as well.]

Seeing him repeat what he had said before, it seemed Geom Mugeuk truly intended to conclude things this way.

Very well, I shall enjoy your great harvest this year.

Yes, if he was going to properly compete with Geom Woojin in raising a son.

[Alright, I won't be harmed in the slightest.]

While the atmosphere on the Evil Alliance's side was good, the same could not be said for the Brawling King's side.

With the deaths of the Poison Tyrant and the New Moon Blade, the morale of the Fighting Wolf plummeted.

No matter how much they loved to fight, they did not enjoy a losing battle.

These were men who could make opponents bow their heads with a mere glance, but now, that gaze had no effect. Their opponents were the martial artists of the Thirteen Evil Wolves and the Extreme Army. They were foes they might not win against even if their own morale was sky-high.

Naturally, everyone's gaze turned to the Brawling King.

He was not shaken at all. He did not try to encourage the Fighting Wolf or force their morale up. In fact, his calm demeanor soothed the anxiety of the Fighting Wolf.

The Brawling King spoke politely to the Green Slayer Ghost.

"Senior, please step forward and handle this."

The Brawling King trusted his skills. Although he worried about his hot-headed and foul temper, he was not overly concerned, as the man had weathered many storms.

The Green Slayer Ghost stepped forward and addressed the Evil Alliance martial artists.

"Your side already pointed one out, so it's fair for our side to point one out too, right? Surely the elites of the Evil Alliance won't swarm me like a pack of dogs because you're scared of this old man, right? You bastards, your Chairman is watching!"

He grinned, revealing the few teeth he had left.

A faint smile touched the Brawling King's lips. Yes, just do that.

On the other hand, Baek Jagang's expression hardened. He knew there was no one here who could face the Green Slayer Ghost in a one-on-one fight. Moreover, the man would not nominate Geom Mugeuk.

The Green Slayer Ghost spoke to the Evil Eccentric.

"How about you step up first? I'm talking to you, the one running wild trying to become the greatest master of the unorthodox path after killing all the Seven Evil Masters."

He picked a fight with the Evil Eccentric, perhaps because he had some personal connection to the New Moon Blade.

Of course, the Evil Eccentric was not one to be trifled with. The Evil Eccentric, who had his eyes closed, opened them.

"And what are you trying to gain by standing there?"

For a moment, the Green Slayer Ghost's expression twitched.

"Did a public enemy of our alliance really expect to be treated as a Senior? Just how despicable a life did you live to become a public enemy to the orthodox, unorthodox, and demonic factions all at once?"

The Green Slayer Ghost took a step forward, leaking killing intent.

At that, Bi Sayin stepped in front of the Evil Eccentric to protect him.

"Stand back."

The Green Slayer Ghost gave him a pathetic look.

"Young Alliance Chairman, unless that hideous face of yours can be converted into martial arts skill, don't you dare block my path."

The Green Slayer Ghost deliberately provoked Bi Sayin. His target was never the Evil Eccentric, but Bi Sayin from the start. Knowing their relationship was strong, he had picked a fight with the Evil Eccentric to draw Bi Sayin out.

If an agitated Bi Sayin charged at him, he planned to take him hostage. If he rushed just ten steps, he intended to snatch him up like a hawk.

It was the best way to turn the tables now that the Poison Tyrant and the New Moon Blade were dead. If they held him hostage, the Evil Alliance could not engage in a chaotic brawl. Their plan was to pick them off one by one and then, at the end, eliminate the Evil Alliance Chairman with the Brawling King.

"Since no one has likely been honest with you, Young Alliance Chairman, I'll tell you. Your face is disgusting to even look at."

When had he ever been told his face was disgusting? Bi Sayin felt awful. In the past, he might have fallen for this provocation. He was truly angry.

However, the Bi Sayin of today was different. How would Geom Mugeuk react? Anger is one thing, but he wouldn't let that emotion dictate his actions, would he?

"There was someone who told me this face was handsome."

"Who on earth?"

At that, Bi Sayin looked at Geom Mugeuk.

Geom Mugeuk said with a troubled expression.

"…It was a joke."

Bi Sayin laughed. He was satisfied with himself for becoming someone who could laugh in a moment like this. He was certain this change would make him stronger in the future.

He was also grateful to Geom Mugeuk for building a relationship where he did not feel bad at all even after hearing it was a joke. That grateful person always looked after his feelings with great care. After his banter, he never forgot to add words like these.

"You do look a bit cool when you laugh like that."

Since all the Evil Alliance martial artists were watching, Geom Mugeuk praised Bi Sayin once more.

"Someone who doesn't know how to judge a face will only see your scar, but someone who does will recognize how handsome the face beneath the scar is."

It was not about looking at his inner self. Geom Mugeuk hoped these words would work like magic. He hoped people would think, He looks okay now that I look again. He hoped such people would increase one by one.

"And your laugh greatly resembles that of the Fist Demon, the Demon Supreme of our Cult. It's my favorite laugh, second only to Father's."

How could he not be grateful when he said such things in front of everyone? After meeting Geom Mugeuk and hearing these words repeatedly, his long-held inferiority complex was fading. He was so thankful and happy right now that he thought he might shake it off completely after today.

"Then I'll have to create more reasons to laugh."

"Isn't that up to you?"

Listening to their conversation, the Green Slayer Ghost felt like he had been drawn into something. Far from provoking his opponent, he felt he had helped improve their relationship, which disgusted him. In any case, he had failed to take Bi Sayin hostage.

The Green Slayer Ghost's gaze returned to his original target.

"You, come out."

The opponent he pointed to was Beoncheon, the Commander of the Extreme Army.

"I will be your opponent."

Beoncheon was not at all intimidated by the Green Slayer Ghost. This was the spirit of the man named Beoncheon. That was why he led the Extreme Army, the Chairman's most elite unit.

The Evil Alliance has numerous pavilions and corps. However, in a situation like today where it is unclear who to trust, the first organization mobilized is the Extreme Army.

He was the leader of such an organization. Therefore, he was not a man who would be intimidated even if his opponent was not just the Green Slayer Ghost, but the Brawling King as well.

That was why Baek Jagang had to stop this fight. No matter how strong Beoncheon was, he could not handle the qi of the Green Slayer Ghost, a master from a previous generation.

However, if he stepped in to stop it, that Green Slayer Ghost would mock Beoncheon's honor and pride with all sorts of insulting words. He had to respond cautiously as his subordinates were watching.

Baek Jagang found himself looking at Geom Mugeuk without realizing it. He hated to admit it, but he felt himself relying on him in this moment.

And Geom Mugeuk once again began to meet the Chairman's expectations.

Geom Mugeuk spoke politely to the Green Slayer Ghost.

"Before you two fight, may I say just one thing to our old master?"

"What is it?"

"Actually, when it comes to being ugly, the old Senior is uglier than the Young Alliance Chairman."

"What?"

Not expecting such words, the bewildered Green Slayer Ghost's expression soured.

"I'm telling you this because I was afraid you might die in the fight without knowing the truth."

Die at the hands of Beoncheon? This too was a provocative statement. However, the words that bothered him more were these.

"Are you saying that I'm uglier than the Young Alliance Chairman?"

"That's right."

Geom Mugeuk knew. The Green Slayer Ghost might be unsightly now with his missing teeth and many wrinkles, but in his youth, he was known as a handsome Young Lord.

He was a man who took great pride in his appearance. That was also the reason he had mocked Bi Sayin's looks.

"Even if I imagine your younger face and compare, you are definitely uglier. I apologize."

When he bowed his head deeply and apologized, the Green Slayer Ghost became even angrier. If he had just hurled insults saying he was uglier, it would have been a meaningless accusation, but this polite apology made him feel truly awful.

This brat is quite something!

He knew he was being deliberately provoked, but he could not avoid it. He just could not admit that he was uglier than Bi Sayin. It was a face he himself had called disgusting.

"You don't seem to believe me, so shall we check?"

Geom Mugeuk spoke loudly to everyone present.

"Alright, then let's see who is uglier. Everyone who thinks the Young Alliance Chairman here is ugly, please raise your hand!"

Everyone was flustered, not expecting such a question.

Baek Jagang was surprised, and even the Brawling King was surprised. Not a single person there was not surprised. A beauty contest in this situation?

Naturally, no one from the Evil Alliance's side raised their hand. Even if they thought so, who would dare? Conversely, some from the Fighting Wolf also failed to raise their hands in time due to the sudden question.

"Then, everyone who thinks our old master is ugly, raise your hand!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Geom Mugeuk shot his hand up, and the Thirteen Evil Wolves followed suit. Then, all the martial artists of the Extreme Army also raised their hands.

At that moment, Bi Sayin's eyes widened.

Baek Jagang had raised his hand. He had never dreamed that his master would raise his hand for him in such a ridiculous situation.

Master!

It was just the simple act of raising a hand, but he was deeply moved.

He did not know. His Master's action also contained an apology for having doubted him this time.

Geom Mugeuk said to the Green Slayer Ghost.

"Look here. Aren't there far more people who think our old Senior is ugly?"

"You brat, isn't that just because there are more of you?"

"Isn't it the same?"

"What is?"

"Aren't you, Senior, also acting as you please just because you're old? Mocking your junior for being ugly, isn't that all because you have more inner arts?"

"!"

They were unexpected words, so the Green Slayer Ghost was momentarily speechless. This was Geom Mugeuk's true intention.

"Earlier, the previous Senior picked someone of a similar age and skill to fight, but you, old Senior, are not doing that, are you? If you want fairness, our side should also send out people equivalent to your age."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I'm saying that we'll send out a number of people equal to your age, so let's fight. Or you can just confidently admit that you're uglier."

"You crazy bastard, how can you say that!"

He had brought up appearances to provoke Bi Sayin, but he was now caught in Geom Mugeuk's provocation instead.

"Are you pulling this cheap trick because you think you can beat me by attacking together?"

"Just admit you're ugly and fight Commander Beoncheon!"

"What kind of ridiculous nonsense is this?"

"No, I've spoken out of turn. Please, continue with your duel."

"This brat!"

"What's so shameful about a man admitting he's ugly."

In the end, the Green Slayer Ghost could not hold back any longer and shouted.

"Fine! I'll kill you all at once."

As soon as his words fell, Bi Sayin stepped forward first.

"Let's have a match to see who's uglier."

As if he had been waiting, Geom Mugeuk followed.

"If my friend goes, I go too! Our side's combined age is still far too low, so I'll join forces with one more person."

Geom Mugeuk glanced back and forth between First Wolf and Beoncheon, then spoke to First Wolf.

"Commander Beoncheon was not only pointed out, but he was also falsely accused this time, so please yield."

First Wolf nodded readily. If Geom Mugeuk and Beoncheon stepped up, he would not have to. Besides, if a crisis befell Bi Sayin, he planned to intervene regardless of any promise. For that, it was better to stay out of it.

The Green Slayer Ghost belatedly came to his senses.

Ah, this was not the plan.

He had snapped in a fit of anger, and now three people stood before him.

Anyway, it was because of this damned temper of his that he had become a public enemy of the orthodox, unorthodox, and demonic factions. It never got better, no matter how old he got.

It was the Brawling King who brought the situation under control.

"The ages do not match."

The Brawling King said to Geom Mugeuk in a calm tone.

"You should step out, and First Wolf should step in."

Geom Mugeuk had expected the Brawling King to intervene, so he readily accepted. The Brawling King would never allow him to fight alongside them.

"Then I'll be in your care, First Wolf."

First Wolf took his place.

An image surfaced in the Brawling King's mind. The image of Geom Mugeuk, who had spouted so many words, jokes, and absurdities, returning to the blood-soaked battlefield. Standing there alone, looking this way with an endlessly deep gaze. Because he could not see that side of him, the Green Slayer Ghost was being played so helplessly.

In the spot where only Beoncheon should have stood, Bi Sayin and First Wolf now stood together.

Having stepped back, Geom Mugeuk looked at Baek Jagang.

His gaze seemed to say, "My efforts can only go this far."