Chapter 493: Next Time, as Yeon (Fate)

TL: FoodieMonster007

After a long night of martial arts training, we walked back together. Father led the way, with Hwi and I a step behind him on either side.

I had ordered Hwi not to use stealth as much as possible on this journey, so he was walking with us. He had defeated the Death King using stealth, but a life without it was also Hwi's life.

"Oh, Father. I think I need to sort things out with the Golden Dragon Clan before we leave."

Father knew I intended to give them a chance. He also knew I had the third child in mind as the successor.

"Honestly, this feels much more difficult than dealing with assassins, but if you give me a few days, I'll handle it."

Father looked at me with a puzzled expression. "Can you really do it in just a few days?"

"It would be impossible with normal persuasion."

The Patriarch and his three children. It was a matter of sorting out their different hearts and desires.

"That's why I plan to use a different method, not persuasion."

A flicker of interest crossed my father's eyes before vanishing. He didn't ask what method I would use. He would find out soon enough anyway.

After returning to our lodging, my father began tending to his fishing rod again. He examined it from every angle, changed the line, and even shaved the rod with a throwing knife to balance it.

"If a spy from the Murim Alliance or the Evil Alliance saw this, they'd file a report. The Heavenly Demon is creating something unknown with all his might. Judging by his concentration, it must be an incredibly dangerous object disguised as a fishing rod."

Father didn't respond to my joke, remaining focused on the fishing rod. He was even more serious than when he had been teaching me martial arts. His careful touch held a determination to never lose.

Still, I won't lose on purpose!

On the contrary, I had to win. That was the only way I'd get another chance to go fishing.

A few days later, Geum Arin and Geom Mugeuk entered the hall of the Golden Dragon Clan's Patriarch. They had rushed over due to an urgent summons, but Geum Ahyuk and Geum Ajong were already there.

Not only them, but all the clan's masters were gathered. Their tense expressions made it seem as if they were about to face someone in battle.

She could tell something was wrong with the clan, seeing as she had been told to bring Geom Mugeuk and even her bodyguard Lim Hyuk.

Just as she arrived, the voice of a Golden Dragon Clan martial artist was heard from outside.

"A guest has arrived."

Hearing those words, Geum Cheonbang's face stiffened with tension. She had never seen her father look so nervous.

A moment later, four martial artists entered the hall.

The moment she saw them, Geum Arin understood why her father was so tense.

Demonic Cultists!

The aura emanating from them was demonic qi. Moreover, they made no effort to hide it. The presence of the cultist walking in the center was particularly extraordinary.

Masters!

Indeed, just as she expected, he was no ordinary man. The middle-aged man introduced himself in a cold tone.

"I'm Taeyang, the Shanxi Branch Manager of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult."

Geum Arin was even more surprised. It wasn't just a master from the Demonic Cult. The Branch Manager responsible for the Shaanxi region had come in person.

Only three masters followed Taeyang as his retinue, but it felt more intimidating than if he had brought dozens to frighten them.

Geum Cheonbang stepped forward and greeted him politely. The Branch Manager of the Demonic Cult was not someone to be treated lightly.

"I am Geum Cheonbang, leader of the Golden Dragon Clan."

Facing him, that old fear resurfaced. Geum Cheonbang was a master who had learned the Golden Dragon Divine Art, but he held a deep-seated fear of martial artists from his youth. Now, facing these cultists, he tried his best not to show his tension.

"Our clan doesn't usually have dealings with your esteemed cult. What brings you here?"

That morning, an urgent message had arrived from the Shanxi Branch of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. It was a notice to summon not only the Patriarch but all the heirs and wait. Their methods were typical of the Demonic Cult. They had only announced their visit time without giving a reason.

As soon as he received the message, Geum Cheonbang had requested help from the Shanxi Branch of the Murim Alliance. However, the Demonic Cult had stormed in before the Murim Alliance masters could arrive.

Taeyang scanned the people in the hall. Those whose eyes met his grew tense. Regardless of their martial arts prowess, they knew that getting entangled with the Demonic Cult could lead to their clan's annihilation.

Taeyang's gaze stopped on Geum Ahyuk. One of the martial artists with him had identified Geum Ahyuk via telepathy.

"Are you Geum Ahyuk?"

"Yes, I am."

Although he had been rebellious and abrasive toward his father lately, he didn't dare act recklessly in front of the Demonic Cultists.

"Do you know a man named Myeongjin?"

"Who is that?"

"Don't even think about denying it. We have proof that you frequently visited his smithy and met with him."

Only then did they understand. The real name of the man Geum Ahyuk had followed and called Elder was Myeongjin.

"We also have evidence that a vast amount of the Golden Dragon Clan's funds flowed to him."

Geum Ahyuk explained calmly. "That's right. He helped our clan with many things."

Taeyang then said coldly, "He's an assassin from the Hell Mansion, a man our Cult has issued a kill order for."

Not just Geum Ahyuk, but Geum Cheonbang too was stunned. They were shocked that he was an assassin from the Hell Mansion, but even more shocked that they were enemies of the Demonic Cult.

Geum Cheonbang hurriedly stepped forward in his son's place. "We weren't aware of that fact."

Taeyang stared at Geum Cheonbang with cold eyes. "We'll find out once we investigate. We will be taking Geum Ahyuk with us."

Geum Cheonbang's face went pale. There was no telling what would happen if his son was dragged away by the Demonic Cult.

Geum Ahyuk, on the other hand, first asked about Myeongjin. "Where is he now?"

"He?" Taeyang's expression hardened. Even after being told the man had a kill order on him, he was still using a respectful term.

Just as a startled Geum Cheonbang was about to step in for his son, Taeyang delivered shocking news.

"Myeongjin, as well as all the assassins of the Hell Mansion, have been eliminated by our Cult."

Hearing that Myeongjin was dead, Geum Ahyuk's expression hardened.

Geum Cheonbang, however, was inwardly pleased. His son had been so taken with the man that he had even mobilized assassins. Now, the man who had been a bad influence on his son was dead. In that respect, the Demonic Cult was his benefactor.

"You killed him?" Geum Ahyuk raised his voice, agitated by the news of Myeongjin's death. He was the man who had taught him more than anyone. Geum Ahyuk had genuinely liked and respected him.

Geum Cheonbang quickly stepped forward to stop his son. "You, be quiet."

However, Geum Ahyuk spat out words he shouldn't have. "The Demonic Cult framed and killed him!"

"I told you to shut up!"

"He wasn't that kind of person. This is a conspiracy by those bastards from the Demonic Cult…"

Geum Cheonbang quickly sealed his son's mute and paralysis points. Even then, Geum Ahyuk glared defiantly. The clan masters present frowned at Geum Ahyuk's recklessness.

"Please forgive my son's rudeness."

Taeyang merely gave him a cold look.

Now that things had come to this, he couldn't possibly send his son with them. In such an agitated state, he would be dead within a day.

Just then, the people Geum Cheonbang had been waiting for arrived. The martial artists from the Shanxi Branch of the Murim Alliance were here.

"Welcome!" Geum Cheonbang greeted them warmly. However, the Branch Manager, with whom he was acquainted, hadn't come himself, sending only a few subordinates.

"We are here to deliver a message from the Branch Manager."

Surprisingly, the Murim Alliance was already aware of the situation. The words that came from them were like a bolt from the blue.

"The assassins of the Hell Mansion are also on the Murim Alliance's list of the public enemy of the murim."

The Shanxi Branch Manager sending only his subordinates to deliver this message meant he had no intention of getting involved.

Taeyang pressured Geum Cheonbang, exuding a cold demonic qi. "May we take him now?"

Geum Cheonbang couldn't argue. They had associated with an enemy of the Demonic Cult who was also listed as a public enemy by the Murim Alliance. A single misstep could endanger the entire Golden Dragon Clan.

"Given the situation, you should send my brother first."

The second brother, Geum Ajong, stepped forward. Geum Cheonbang frowned at him. Geum Ajong said no more and stepped back. Inwardly, he was thrilled. This was the moment his older brother was finished.

Just then, Geum Arin felt Geom Mugeuk's gaze from beside her. He was looking at her with a calm expression, as if he had expected this. His eyes seemed to ask, Are you just going to stand there?

[What should I do?] she sent via telepathy.

[What do you want to do? Do you want to step up and save your Orabeoni?]

[Honestly, no.]

[Even so, you must stop them from taking him. If you want to become the successor.]

It was advice from Geom Mugeuk, who seemed to see through the entire situation. There was no time for long deliberation. The cultists were already approaching to take Geum Ahyuk.

She was afraid and reluctant to step forward, but she mustered her courage. She trusted Geom Mugeuk's advice.

"Branch Manager, I have a request."

All eyes focused on her. Geum Arin spoke calmly to Taeyang.

"Even if you must investigate this matter, I ask that you conduct it within our clan's residence."

"Do you know who we are and still say such things?"

"I'm saying this precisely because I know. We are not a murim sect, but a sect belonging to the merchant world. For the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult to barge in and take away a blood relative of our clan would surely incite outrage from the entire merchant world and martial artists. Besides, I'm not saying he won't be investigated. I'm just asking that it be done here."

She finished what she had to say, her voice trembling.

"And if I refuse?"

If she was going to be weak, she shouldn't have stepped forward in the first place.

"I will do my best to make this a public issue in the murim. I'm sure it could tarnish the Director's reputation as well."

A tense atmosphere flowed between the two. Geum Arin was confident the Demonic Cult would not attack rashly. With the Murim Alliance martial artists also present, they wouldn't start a fight. Doing so would escalate it into a truly major incident.

"A blood relative of the Patriarch is involved. I ask that you handle this with a little more discretion." She bowed her head, making her request politely.

The clan members watched her with surprise. If she were competing for the succession, she would have tried to send Geum Ahyuk away with the cultists, just like her second brother.

Taeyang was also well aware of their situation. "I understand you're in a succession dispute with your Orabeoni. Why did you step forward?"

Geum Arin answered calmly. "The fight for succession is important, but the honor of our clan is more important."

Geum Cheonbang and the clan masters stared at her with surprised expressions. Geum Cheonbang, in particular, was deeply moved. His daughter was trying to save her brother while protecting the clan's honor. At least in this moment, she was better than him and everyone else present.

After staring at her for a moment, Taeyang took a step back. "She's the best of the children."

It came with an unexpected compliment.

"Very well, we'll conduct the investigation here. We will withdraw for now and send an investigator tomorrow."

Geum Arin politely performed a clasped hands greeting to express her gratitude. "Thank you for your consideration."

Taeyang looked at Geum Ahyuk and warned him coldly. "Don't leave this place. If you do, a kill order will be issued for you."

Leaving those words behind, the cultists all withdrew. The Murim Alliance martial artists also left afterward. They showed an attitude of not wanting to get deeply involved in this matter.

Geum Cheonbang looked at Geum Arin and nodded with an expression that said, "Well done." The expressions of the clan masters also softened as they looked at her. In contrast, their gazes toward Geum Ahyuk were cold. He had nearly plunged the Golden Dragon Clan into great danger.

As the chaotic situation settled, Geom Mugeuk and Geum Arin spoke privately in front of the Patriarch's hall.

"I'll be leaving this place now."

"What?"

"I've done what I came to do, so I must leave."

Done what he came to do? A thought suddenly occurred to Geum Arin.

"No way… The events just now, was that your doing?"

"What else? Do you think the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult would have backed down so meekly? While even complimenting you?"

"!"

She was bewildered. "But how?"

He moved the Demonic Cult? And the Shanxi Branch Manager at that? Just how?

This man, could he be a Demonic Cultist? But I couldn't feel even a hint of demonic qi from him. Or did he move the Murim Alliance to move the Demonic Cult? Does the granddaughter of the Murim Alliance Lord really like this man? All sorts of thoughts raced through her mind.

"With this incident, your most likely Orabeoni has been pushed far from the successor's position. In contrast, you've become the likely candidate. You collected debts from various Shaanxi Trading Companies and helped people in need. And this time, you stepped up to save your Orabeoni and protect the clan's honor."

"But my second brother Orabeoni is still here."

Geom Mugeuk stared at her intently and said, "Are you hoping for me to take care of that too?"

Geum Arin flinched. Geom Mugeuk's eyes seemed to say, Isn't that something you should handle? Show everyone your capabilities as a successor.

"No. I have to do it myself."

What was bothering her now wasn't Geum Ajong. "Even so, bringing in the Demonic Cult was a mistake."

Geom Mugeuk looked up at the sky. His gaze deepened as he finally said the words he had intended to say upon his departure. "You, your father, and your brothers aren't good people. You joined hands with evil to increase your wealth. You even tried to lure places like the Ju Swordsmanship Family into unfair contracts. You've probably committed other wrongs as well."

Geum Arin couldn't offer any excuse. It was the truth.

"But do you know why I'm giving you a chance?"

Geum Arin asked in a trembling voice, "Why?"

"Because the assassins of the Hell Mansion were deliberately targeting you. Those fiends are so vicious, they would have found a way to drag you in no matter what. Of course, that doesn't absolve you of the sin of falling for it."

Geom Mugeuk's gaze fell upon her. It was a stern look, different from any she had seen from him before.

"While running your secret organization, correct all your wrongdoings. That's not the end of it. After you become the successor, and even after you become the Patriarch, you must live with the mindset of atoning for your past mistakes. I chose you because I believed you were the kind of person who could do that."

Geum Arin finally understood. The successor position he had promised her was not a reward, but a punishment. He had chosen her because he believed she was the person who would best accept that punishment.

"I asked you before. Can you kill your Orabeoni? At that time, you said you weren't sure. Now, answer me again. Can you kill them?"

After a moment of thought, she shook her head. "I don't think I can."

Geom Mugeuk eased her worries. "That's why the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult will actually be a help to you. As long as they are watching you, your Orabeoni won't dare to covet your position. In the meantime, build your strength. So that you can protect yourself even without external surveillance and management."

Geum Arin felt she now had a faint idea of how she should live her life. This inscrutable man was a much greater person than she had ever imagined. A person who could eliminate the Hell Mansion, bring in the Demonic Cult, and grant such an opportunity.

"Well then, I'll be on my way."

Geom Mugeuk strode away. Realizing he was leaving just like that, she was flustered.

"Thank you so much!"

Already some distance away, Geom Mugeuk turned back and shouted, "Live on as someone blessed with good fortune!"

Geum Arin smiled. She had jokingly introduced herself to the head of the Milky Way Trading Company as a woman with good fortune in food, and now he was using those words as his farewell.

"Who are you, really?"

"I'm Geom Yeon."

He had said his name used the character for smoke, not the one for fate. And truly, he was disappearing like smoke.

Geum Arin couldn't leave that spot until Geom Mugeuk had completely vanished from sight.

Next time, let's meet not as Yeon (smoke), but as Yeon (fate).