Chapter 553: The Latecomer Becomes the Youngest

TL: FoodieMonster007

Geom Mugeuk's mind suddenly returned to that day. It was the moment his two-day training with the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon inside the Spacetime Manipulation Technique had concluded.

After their bloody battle, Geom Mugeuk had shown consideration for the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon by changing their surroundings to a snowy landscape.

[You'll have to go on a trip with me next time.]

[That time…]

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon had hesitated back then. It was uncharacteristic of him, and Geom Mugeuk had wondered what could make him pause like that.

Now, he believed he understood. That hesitation was the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon's way of saying he would remove his mask.

Geom Mugeuk did not try to stop him. He had seen the man's face in his life before regression, and in this life, the man was taking off the mask himself. It seemed they were fated to live knowing what each other looked like.

"……"

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon's hand shook slightly as he lifted the mask away. His face was revealed from underneath it.

When Geom Mugeuk had seen his face before regressing, it was a much older version than the one he saw now. That was from the time they sought the final ingredient for the great technique. He had been handsome even then, but this was a far younger version of the Smiling Demon.

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon was truly handsome. If the Poison King had the handsomeness of a beautiful youth and the Drunken Demon's came from his unique aura, then the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon's was simply perfect. His features were in flawless harmony, and his eyes were both clear and deep.

Who in the world could look at this face and associate it with the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon?

"How did you stand it? Wanting to show off a face that handsome."

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon laughed. Geom Mugeuk had only ever seen his eyes smile, but now he witnessed his entire face light up.

"I took it off because I wanted to drink comfortably with you, Young Cult Leader. Drinking from under a mask just isn't enjoyable."

Geom Mugeuk knew that wasn't the real reason. The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon was showing him the greatest trust he possibly could.

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon silently gazed down at the mask in his hand. The mask smiled back at him.

What was he thinking in this moment? Geom Mugeuk couldn't know for sure, but he could tell one thing. The moment the mask came off, the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon had become even stronger.

Until now, the mask had been his protection. It was his symbol, his identity, and his pride. The mask gave him strength, and the mask made him evil.

"From now on, I'll wear it when I want to and take it off when I want to."

He was now free from the mask.

FSHHHHHHH.

Just then, the environment around them began to shift. With his inner arts completely gone, the Spacetime Manipulation Technique started to fade away.

"Do you remember? I said I'd treat you to an amazing meal if you took off your mask."

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon nodded.

"When we get back to our Cult, I'll treat you to good liquor and food."

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon spoke as he put his mask back on.

"I'll look forward to that day."

Before she arrived here, Han Seol never imagined she would go through something like this. Could she have ever pictured arriving at her meeting with Geom Mugeuk only to freeze a dark energy aimed at the Evil Alliance's Young Alliance Chairman?

How could she have known she would witness martial artists, covered in blood, breaking free from formations?

[Seol, this is unusual. How about we retreat for now?]

For the Cold Ice Dual Swords, her bodyguards, to send such a telepathic message meant the situation was truly serious.

Young Cult Leader, just what kind of meeting did you invite me to?

She thought it was just like him. Of course, she had no intention of retreating.

Bi Sayin ran toward Jin Hagun, who had just escaped the formations.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

Jin Hagun looked back, first checking on the martial artists of the Demon Slaying Brigade. Fortunately, every single one of them had escaped the formations safely.

Only then did Jin Hagun nod in response.

"We're fine."

"That's a relief."

In that moment, a similar emotion passed between the two men.

To think a day would come when I'd be this happy to see this man.

When Jin Hagun had looked back a moment ago, Bi Sayin had seen the look in their eyes as they regarded one another. That look was stronger than it had been before they entered the formations. Just like them, the others had also fought a battle of life and death.

"What about you all?"

"It wasn't easy on our side either, but we handled it well. Young Lady Han's help was immense."

Bi Sayin introduced Han Seol to Jin Hagun.

"This is the Princess of the North Sea Ice Palace. And this friend here is the head of the Murim Alliance's Demon Slaying Brigade."

Hearing he was the head of the Demon Slaying Brigade, Han Seol was inwardly shocked. How could she not know he was the most likely successor to the Murim Alliance's leadership?

So, the friends the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult said he would introduce were the successors to the Murim Alliance and the Evil Alliance. She was well aware that Geom Mugeuk was no ordinary person, but she never thought he was friends with them.

"Orabeoni!"

Just then, Jin Haryong and the Thousand Flower Palace Chairwoman emerged from the secret room. When the sounds of fighting outside ceased, Jin Haryong had cautiously come out to check, realizing the battle was over.

Jin Hagun and Jin Haryong were relieved to see that each other was safe.

Jin Haryong looked around the area.

"Where is the Young Cult Leader?" she asked.

At Jin Haryong's question, Jin Hagun glanced at Bi Sayin. Bi Sayin simply stared at the palanquin without a word. It meant they were still fighting.

Jin Hagun answered Jin Haryong.

"He'll be here soon."

The exact same words Bi Sayin had said earlier now came from his mouth. The depth of their faith was similar.

And so, everyone formed a defensive perimeter around the palanquin. On one side stood Bi Sayin and the Thirteen Evil Wolves, while opposite them were Jin Hagun and the Demon Slaying Brigade. On another side were the Faceless Warriors and Jin Haryong, and opposite them were Han Seol and the Cold Ice Dual Swords.

How much time passed like that?

"……"

The palanquin began to vibrate.

Everyone stepped back, drew their weapons, and tensed up.

Light erupted from the palanquin. The light poured from every crack, spreading through the darkness and stretching out as if to reach the sky. The intense light then vanished in an instant with a WHOOSH sound.

HISSSSSSSS.

The palanquin started to turn to ash and disappear.

As everyone watched the scene with astonished hearts, a voice called out.

"Where are you all looking! We're over here."

When they turned, two people were standing there side by side. It was Geom Mugeuk and the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon, both covered in blood from head to toe. Just looking at their battered appearances told the story of the fight they had endured.

Geom Mugeuk quickly scanned the area first. Everyone who should be there was there. A sense of relief washed over Geom Mugeuk's face. It was an emotion that could not be faked or disguised.

Only then did Geom Mugeuk collapse onto the ground and joke.

"Oh my! My arms, my legs. My whole body aches like I've been beaten up. No, wait, I actually was beaten up badly."

At that, everyone's faces relaxed into smiles. His jest was the signal that the fight was truly over.

While still sitting on the ground, Geom Mugeuk asked Han Seol.

"What are your impressions of the Central Plains so far?"

How could he invite someone and then greet them covered in blood? Still, seeing that he was safe, she was inwardly relieved and happy.

"I don't believe you mentioned that this banquet would be a bloodbath."

It was a rare joke from her, a person who rarely joked.

"Shouldn't a festival have the fun of a surprise like this?"

After he finished greeting her, Jin Hagun and Bi Sayin approached him. Geom Mugeuk looked more haggard than they had ever seen him. It was clear he had returned after using every last bit of his strength.

"Now is the perfect chance to kill the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult."

At Geom Mugeuk's joke, Bi Sayin and Jin Hagun looked at each other. As they exchanged a glance that seemed to ask, 'Should we really?', Geom Mugeuk quickly added.

"It's a joke. A joke I made trusting the person behind me!"

A smile formed on Bi Sayin's rugged face.

"Then it really is a chance."

When Geom Mugeuk looked back, the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon was gone. He had gone over to Yeo Jong at some point and was talking with her.

"What, you're abandoning me the moment we get out!"

Despite Geom Mugeuk's cry, the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon pretended not to hear. Seeing Yeo Jong smiling brightly in front of the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon, Geom Mugeuk truly felt that they had returned safely.

Bi Sayin and Jin Hagun, who had been standing and looking down, also squatted down next to Geom Mugeuk.

Yeo Jong looked at Geom Mugeuk and quietly bowed her head. He knew what kind of heartfelt greeting it was without her needing to say a word.

Because they were two people who seemed like they would never do such a thing, the sight of the two successors squatting on the ground with Geom Mugeuk between them was a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.

Geom Mugeuk expressed his gratitude to Bi Sayin.

"If you hadn't cut off the inner arts, I would have died."

At Geom Mugeuk's words, Bi Sayin asked with a surprised expression.

"How did you know I cut off the inner arts?"

"I guessed when the line connected to the palanquin was severed, yet you didn't come to help me. I fought while hoping for that one moment when you would cut off those infinite inner arts."

Bi Sayin was glad that his efforts had not been in vain.

Originally, Bi Sayin had planned to tease Geom Mugeuk, asking what he would have done without him, but in this situation, such a joke didn't come out easily. He keenly felt that jokes were best left to those who were good at them.

Like Geom Mugeuk right now. His target was Jin Hagun.

"You're feeling regretful right now, aren't you? If this friend had gone into the formations and you had stayed outside, you would have been the one to save my life."

Jin Hagun shook his head.

"If that had happened, we would have lost a friend."

"Sayin wouldn't have been able to escape the Heavenly Fiend's formations? Are you looking down on our Young Alliance Chairman right now?"

"No. I'm saying I wouldn't have thought to cut it off."

It was an honest answer implying that Geom Mugeuk would have died. It was also a statement that held Bi Sayin in high regard. This was Jin Hagun, who had always valued face and pride, yet his eyes now held the composure of someone who had let go.

Because he had let go, his hands were empty. What would he grasp with those hands now?

"You guys can't keep getting cooler like this! Being cool is my job."

At Geom Mugeuk's words, Jin Hagun and Bi Sayin helped him up from both sides.

This time, Geom Mugeuk expressed his gratitude to Jin Haryong.

"Thank you for keeping your promise."

"I just hid in the secret room."

"That's why I'm even more grateful."

Geom Mugeuk's gaze toward her deepened.

"Be honest. How many times did you want to run out?"

Jin Haryong smiled. This was why she liked Geom Mugeuk. He was someone who understood her heart without her having to say a word, someone who knew that hiding in the secret room was harder than coming out to fight.

"About ten times?"

"Fewer than me."

"What was?"

Geom Mugeuk's gaze turned to Bi Sayin. He knew he wouldn't let it go.

"That's the number of times I begged because of this slow friend. Please, cut off the inner arts! I begged while getting beaten to a pulp."

"Stop exaggerating! If you were beaten that badly, your opponent must have been turned to dust."

"Hah! How did you know? He really did turn to dust and blow away."

Finally, the three of them looked at each other and laughed.

Just then, Geom Mugeuk's gaze fixed on one spot.

"Ah, over there!"

Everyone turned their heads to look where Geom Mugeuk was looking. Far off on the horizon, light was spreading, pushing back the darkness. Inside the Spacetime Manipulation Technique, the sun had been setting, but in the outside world, the brutal night was passing, and morning was dawning.

Everyone silently watched the sunrise, more magnificent than any they had ever seen.

The Thousand Flower Palace Chairwoman stepped forward and said in a bright voice.

"Thanks to all of you, everyone in this establishment has been saved. I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

The courtesans, cooks, and workers who had been hiding nearby all came out, bowing their heads and expressing their gratitude.

"Please, everyone, rest. We will prepare this evening's banquet with all our hearts."

And so, another battle that began with the escape of a single courtesan came to an end.

Returning to his room, Geom Mugeuk replenished his inner arts through meditation. He had truly used them all up, to the point where he wondered when he had ever exhausted his inner arts to the very bottom like this.

He circulated his inner qi for one cycle, then two, then three. He repeated this until his inner arts were completely full.

After refilling his inner arts, Geom Mugeuk took out the Secret Box and placed it on the table. He looked at the smiling Secret Box and expressed his thanks.

"I would have been in big trouble without you. Thank you."

However, as if nothing had happened, the energy of the Black Orb that had swallowed the Queen of Darkness's energy, as well as the other energy, lay dormant deep within his body as if they had never existed.

"Just what is your true identity?"

The Secret Box just kept smiling. Well, a day would come when he would find out.

He put the Secret Box back in his robes, lay down on the bed, and sought sleep. While meditation relieved some fatigue, what better rest was there for a person than sleep? Geom Mugeuk was out the moment he lay down.

In his dream, he walked through darkness. It wasn't the dreadful darkness of the Queen of Darkness. It was the darkness that had been with him in his life before regression.

The darkness had its good points. It could hide one's loneliness. Wasn't it lonelier at night? Not necessarily. Sometimes, the loneliness brought by the bright world was more powerful.

How long did he walk through that darkness? At the end of it, he met a being.

Was it because the seventh stage of the Nine Calamities Demonic Art had failed several times? Or was it because his subconscious wanted to see him? The being waiting for him was the Heavenly Demon Soul.

Geom Mugeuk silently looked up at the massive Heavenly Demon Soul. Today, its facial contours were a little clearer than the last time he had seen it. Why? Could it be that he had made some progress in the Nine Calamities Demonic Art through his fight with the Queen of Darkness?

[Is your pride hurt?]

Even when he spoke to it like this, the Heavenly Demon Soul had always just looked down with arrogant eyes, but today's reaction was different.

The Heavenly Demon Soul's head nodded slightly.

[Are you listening to me?]

Geom Mugeuk woke up shouting those words. His last words were actually shouted out loud, like talking in his sleep.

"…It definitely nodded."

Although it was a dream, Geom Mugeuk's heart pounded at the Heavenly Demon Soul's reaction.

He thought he had only slept for a moment, but when he went outside, it was already evening. The Thousand Flower Palace was bustling with preparations for a banquet. The walls were broken and there were holes everywhere, but this only added to the atmosphere of tonight's banquet.

The cooks and workers of the Thousand Flower Palace all came out to prepare the food. They cooked and prepared for the banquet with the feeling of serving the benefactors who had saved their lives.

"We're going to drink all night! Please prepare a lot of liquor!"

The person who responded to Geom Mugeuk's words was not the Thousand Flower Palace Chairwoman, but Jin Hagun, who had arrived first.

"You haven't seen their liquor storage, have you? You won't have to worry about that."

Come to think of it, Jin Hagun and the Demon Slaying Brigade had disguised themselves as workers at the Thousand Flower Palace, carrying liquor.

Geom Mugeuk sat down across from Jin Hagun.

"Ah! A Chairman with experience working in a brothel! How am I supposed to deal with you in the future!" he said.

"I don't know for sure, but I bet you've done even worse."

"Of course. I've even played the role of a servant."

Jin Hagun laughed at his words. Sitting across from Geom Mugeuk like this felt comfortable now. Perhaps because they spent time together, they were starting to resemble each other, even making such jokes.

"Have a glass of the liquor I carried, servant!"

"You'll have to carry it many times today, Elder!"

As the two men tilted their cups, Jin Haryong and Han Seol arrived.

Bi Sayin, who was usually never late for an appointment, was late today.

"The Hyung-nims are gathered, so why is the youngest so late?"

Jin Hagun replied to Geom Mugeuk's comment.

"Isn't Young Alliance Chairman Bi much older than you?"

"The latecomer always becomes the youngest."

Just then, Geom Mugeuk looked toward the entrance with an unreadable smile. The others also looked over with surprised expressions.

Bi Sayin was entering, neatly dressed in white robes that he did not usually wear.