Chapter 619: Why Did You Make It Without Our Permission?

TL: FoodieMonster007

The Demonic Buddha was speeding toward Wuhan. He had decided he must go after hearing the information sent from the All-Knowing Hall.

The Cold Moon Warrior and the Blue Mountain Swordsman were the opponents. They were foes that First Young Lord would have difficulty handling. The Demonic Buddha knew very well that the Cold Moon Warrior's grudge against their Cult was as deep as the sea.

Just then, a shout came from far behind him.

"Wait a mooooment!"

Hearing the familiar voice carried on the wind, the Demonic Buddha stopped his movement arts.

SHIIIIIIIIII.

The person who had rushed forward as fast as light and landed behind him was Geom Mugeuk.

"You're so fast for someone with such short legs."

"Now that you're the Acting Cult Leader, you're openly making personal attacks."

"Sitting on the throne makes one arrogant. Everyone, kneel!"

Although their conversation was filled with negative words, the expressions on their faces were bright as they looked at each other.

"What is it?" the Demonic Buddha asked.

"I gave you a job, so I should at least see you off properly."

"You didn't chase me down because I was leaving without paying my respects to the Acting Cult Leader, did you?"

"Of course! You know the nature of power so well! No matter how many statues you carve, the Blade Demon is the very incarnation of the lust for power."

The Demonic Buddha scoffed. He felt that Geom Mugeuk was deliberately provoking him. It was like telling him to carve statues to sell, a way of saying he should return to his old self and seek power again. He should be vibrant, not sink into despair.

"I came to ask a favor."

Geom Mugeuk unwound the Top-Quality Heavenly Silk from the hilt of the Black Demon Sword. He was now passing the same silk he had shared with the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon and the Drunken Demon to a new person.

"Please, wrap this around Hyung's heart."

The Demonic Buddha accepted the Top-Quality Heavenly Silk. He had not initially believed Geom Mugeuk's claim about fighting for the succession while also saving his brother. But now, he believed him.

He thought that perhaps something like this had been wrapped around First Young Lord's heart even back then. Something invisible, yet more powerful than what he now held, had protected his heart.

The Demonic Buddha's gaze shifted to the Black Demon Sword. There was still some Top-Quality Heavenly Silk left on its hilt.

Looking at it, the Demonic Buddha suddenly asked a question.

"What about me?"

Geom Mugeuk laughed out loud, as if he had heard a joke.

The Demonic Buddha, however, was not smiling.

"Is First Young Lord's heart the only heart that matters?"

"But you don't need something like this, do you, Demonic Buddha?"

"I'm a person who bleeds when stabbed, too. Did you think gold dust would pour out of me instead of blood?"

"It wouldn't look cool for a Demon Supreme to wrap himself in this."

"Have you never given it to another Demon Supreme?"

"……"

"I knew it. You just don't want to give it to me."

In the end, Geom Mugeuk pretended to give in, unwinding the rest of the silk and handing it over.

"You're not even going to use it, so why are you taking it?"

"I will use it."

"You'll never use it, Demonic Buddha!"

"We'll see."

If he had given it all from the start and said, 'Half for Hyung, and half for you, Demonic Buddha,' the Demonic Buddha would have surely said he did not need it. That was why he deliberately employed a reverse psychology tactic. It was unclear whether the Demonic Buddha had guessed his intention and played along.

The Demonic Buddha looked at the leather pouch Geom Mugeuk carried on his back and spoke.

"Looks like you brought that for me, too. Hand it over."

He was incredibly perceptive. Inside the leather pouch were three sets of protective armor from the Heavenly Demon Vault. One was a smaller set intended for the Demonic Buddha.

"Why three sets?"

"If you happen to meet him, please give one to the Poison King, too."

The Demonic Buddha stared at Geom Mugeuk with a look that said, 'There's no way you don't know.'

"That man won't wear it."

"Yes, he'll probably refuse."

"Then why?"

"Some might think I'm sending the Demonic Buddha because he's close to my brother, but that's not why I asked you."

"Then what is it for?"

This was Geom Mugeuk's view of the Demonic Buddha's true value.

"To make the impossible, possible. It's what you do better than anyone else."

After looking at Geom Mugeuk for a moment, the Demonic Buddha slowly began to wrap the Top-Quality Heavenly Silk around both of his wrists.

"You're not sending me because of your brother, are you? And it's not to make the Poison King wear armor, either."

He had perfectly grasped Geom Mugeuk's intentions.

"You want me to stop that man, the Poison King, don't you?"

Instead of answering, Geom Mugeuk offered an affirming smile.

If the Cold Moon Warrior, who harbored a deep grudge against the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, went on a rampage, the Poison King would eventually have to intervene. The moment someone let their guard down due to his youthful appearance and spouted nonsense, a crucial principle would be broken. The principle of not angering the Poison King.

If things went badly, a war could erupt.

"Because only you, Demonic Buddha, can stop the Poison King."

"Why me?"

He had been expecting a grand reason.

"Because you're the king of collecting poisonous herbs, aren't you, Demonic Buddha?"

The Demonic Buddha could not help but laugh at the unexpected reason.

The playful look on Geom Mugeuk's face vanished. He bowed his head respectfully.

"I'm sorry for asking such a difficult task of you."

Having finished wrapping the silk, the Demonic Buddha slung the leather pouch onto his back. It was large enough to cover his entire body, since the Demonic Buddha was short.

"Now that you're the Cult Leader, the first thing you do is give me baggage."

"Because it's a burden only a little giant can carry."

"If only you couldn't talk."

The Demonic Buddha turned and started running again.

Geom Mugeuk stood there, watching until he had completely disappeared. To be honest, watching was harder than going out to fight himself.

However, even if anxiety made sleep impossible, one must watch when it is time to watch. Like a parent's heart for their child, we grow when we learn to stand on our own. The opponent, and even the one who was watching, will grow.

Geom Mugeuk turned in the opposite direction from where the Demonic Buddha had disappeared.

"Well then, shall I go finish the book I was reading?"

In a flash, Geom Mugeuk's figure became a dot and vanished.

The carriage carrying Geom Muyang's party moved slowly through the central streets of Wuhan. They were disguised as construction workers, sitting huddled in the cargo bed of an old carriage while observing the surrounding area.

They saw a middle-aged martial artist striding by with a long sword, his robes fluttering. An old man sat in a tavern, stroking his white beard and sharing a drink. Young martial artists with youthful faces laughed and chatted happily. Murim Alliance members in uniform passed by with fierce gazes. Everyone they saw was from the orthodox sects.

In the distance, the magnificent buildings of the Murim Alliance Headquarters were visible, along with a giant stone statue of a martial artist that symbolized a righteous warrior.

Ho Myeong did not show it, but he was tense inside. He had only heard about this place, but this was his first time actually seeing the Murim Alliance Headquarters. It was the same for the subordinates who had come with him.

It was not just the people. The countless large and small sects they saw along the way were all orthodox sects that followed the Murim Alliance. If a fight broke out, martial artists from these sects would pour out from all directions. They were truly passing through dangerous territory.

The place they arrived at was a manor. It was not in a remote area but just off the marketplace. Other houses were packed tightly beside it, and the market was a short walk away.

From this location, the magnificent buildings of the Murim Alliance Headquarters looked even larger. It was, in short, right under the Murim Alliance's nose.

Everyone got out of the carriage and entered the manor. Inside, they saw that parts of the buildings were collapsed, as if workers had been called for repairs.

"Welcome, welcome!"

The person who greeted them was the owner of the manor.

"I plan to fix this place up nicely."

He was also a martial artist from the All-Knowing Hall.

"Now, now, let's go inside and rest today. We'll start work tomorrow."

The All-Knowing Hall had purchased this manor and made it appear as if new construction was beginning. This was to ensure that Geom Muyang and the Branch martial artists, who arrived disguised as workers, would not arouse suspicion. Indeed, the All-Knowing Hall spared no support for Geom Muyang.

Once the manor gates were closed, the Branch martial artists surveyed the area, checking over the walls and even the rooftops. After confirming there were no watching eyes, they retrieved the swords and armor hidden in the carriage floor and went inside.

Inside the building, the middle-aged man finally introduced himself.

"I am Hwa Yin from the All-Knowing Hall. It is an honor to host such a distinguished person."

Normally, martial artists from the All-Knowing Hall use code names, but he revealed his real name. Although his guest had lost the succession battle, he was of the Heavenly Demon's bloodline. That was why Hwa Yin, the one in charge of Wuhan, had come forward personally.

"I'll be in your care."

After Geom Muyang's brief greeting, Branch Manager Ho Myeong stepped forward.

"You said you lost track of Gwak Yeong?"

An unexpected answer came back.

"No."

At the word 'no,' not only Ho Myeong but all the other martial artists were surprised.

"Gwak Yeong returned to the smithy this morning."

Geom Muyang's expression hardened slightly as he listened. He should have been happy to have found her, but the fact that she had returned so brazenly on the day he entered Wuhan bothered him.

Ho Myeong felt the same way.

"It could be a trap."

Geom Muyang nodded at his words.

"Perhaps."

However, he could not back down, even if it was a trap.

That was not the only news waiting for them.

"There is something you should know. The Cold Moon Warrior is currently in Wuhan."

Geom Muyang flinched in surprise at the name. Before he could react, more bad news was delivered.

"And the Blue Mountain Swordsman will be arriving soon."

Ho Myeong quickly asked Hwa Yin, "Are they here because of our operation?"

"We are confirming that now."

Gwak Yeong had returned on her own, and two renowned masters from the orthodox sects were coming here. It felt as if a dragon's den was boiling over while the roar of a hungry tiger echoed from its lair.

Ho Myeong looked back at Geom Muyang. He knew that Geom Muyang was not the type to get scared and turn back, even if they were here because of them.

Indeed, Geom Muyang calmly asked Hwa Yin, "Where is Gwak Yeong's house?"

"Her residence is in the inner court of the Murim Alliance."

It seemed that as a master of the smithy, she had been specially provided a residence in the inner court. Not the outer court, but the inner court. Getting in would be nearly impossible.

"There is a teahouse that Gwak Yeong frequents. She often stops by for tea after finishing her work."

"Where is it?"

"It's a teahouse in the marketplace called Hyanghyang."

Hwa Yin had prepared more than just information. He opened a closet filled with various kinds of martial arts uniforms.

"You can't wear weapons in those clothes, so please wear these. These are the most common martial arts uniforms you'll see here in Wuhan."

He also gave them new identities.

"If you need to reveal your identity, say you are disciples of the Sword Worshipping Sect, an orthodox sect in Hunan."

The Sword Worshipping Sect was also a front for the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

"The disciples of the Sword Worshipping Sect are currently out to tour the Murim Alliance Headquarters, following their Eldest Senior Brother."

Hwa Yin brought a piece of paper with names written on it and gave each of them their new name. If someone were to check with the Sword Worshipping Sect, they would be told that these disciples had gone to tour the Murim Alliance Headquarters.

"Thank you for your consideration."

Everyone began to change into the martial arts uniforms.

"Don't forget to wear the protective armor under your clothes, all of you."

After taking care of his subordinates, Ho Myeong was bothered that only Geom Muyang did not have protective armor. He could not just give Geom Muyang the one he was wearing, as armor issued to a regular martial artist was not fit for the First Young Lord. While he thought it would be fine since his martial arts were so strong, he still wished he could give him something better if he had it.

A short while later, they quietly slipped out through the manor's back door.

Geom Muyang was drinking tea alone in Hyanghyang. The rest of the martial artists were scattered across the tavern opposite, the roadside, the alleyway, and an adjacent building, monitoring the surroundings. They had taken their positions one by one with extreme caution.

Today was really more of a reconnaissance mission. He had not expected to meet her on the very first day.

[It's her!]

He lifted his head at Ho Myeong's telepathic message and saw a woman entering the teahouse.

A large burn scar was on the back of the woman's hand. It was impossible to miss. She made no attempt to hide the scar, having rolled up her sleeves instead. The woman who confidently revealed her scar was, as he had heard, beautiful in face and figure.

After entering the teahouse, Gwak Yeong looked around, deciding where to sit. Just then, her eyes met Geom Muyang's.

Gwak Yeong's eyes crinkled into a smile, and she gave a slight nod of her head.

Geom Muyang could not tell if she smiled because she knew who he was, or if it was just a polite greeting after their eyes met by chance. In any case, one thing was unexpected. Her aura was brighter than he had imagined.

Just then, Ho Myeong sent a telepathic message to Geom Muyang from outside.

[There doesn't seem to be anyone following or ambushing her.]

Geom Muyang also raised his ki to check but did not sense any particular danger from the other customers inside.

Did she really come to drink tea alone? If so, all that remained was to subdue her and take her away. A carriage was already prepared outside for her transport.

However, Geom Muyang was cautious. The fact that things were going so smoothly made him even more wary.

Gwak Yeong sipped her tea, watching the people passing by outside. Her gaze was deep, her thoughts unreadable. A group of men passing by saw her and bowed in greeting. She greeted them back in a bright voice and waved. Judging by their muscular builds, they seemed to be men who worked at the smithy.

As she turned her head back from the window to drink her tea, she found Geom Muyang had already sat down across from her.

It was a startling situation, but she asked calmly, "Why did you sit down without asking for permission?"

Geom Muyang, on the other hand, came on strong.

"And why did you make it without our permission?"

His very first words revealed his identity and accused her. If she tried to scream or run, her vital points for movement and speech would be sealed before she could even try.

However, Gwak Yeong's reaction was unexpected. She leaned her upper body forward, bringing her face closer to Geom Muyang's, and said with utter confidence.

"Are you an idiot? Who asks for permission to make a counterfeit?"