Chapter 643: Right or Wrong, It's All Good

TL: FoodieMonster007

Whose death would you be unable to endure?

Jin Paecheon could not provide a quick answer. This was not because he had never considered the question before.

Losing someone precious was a sorrow he had felt more deeply than anyone else in the world. While people try to forget sad things, he could never forget the child buried deep within his heart.

For that reason, it was a worry that had tormented him countless times over his life.

What if he lost his grandchildren too?

How could Geom Mugeuk not understand his heart? He understood it better than anyone, having once shared a frank conversation with Jin Paecheon about the deaths of his son and daughter-in-law.

He knew his question would reopen old wounds, yet he had to ask.

They were currently facing a despicable enemy who sought only to find and exploit their vulnerabilities.

He was aware that it was an incredibly inconsiderate question to ask the Chairman.

"Just tell me the first person who comes to mind."

Jin Paecheon had no intention of answering. He felt he had already said more than enough to this young Cult Leader for one day.

"Do you really think they're coming to kill my people?"

Geom Mugeuk nodded with firm conviction.

"Yes, I believe so."

"What makes you so certain?"

"Because I can't find any other reason."

Jin Paecheon wished he could offer some other possibility, but he too could not find any other explanation.

He thought, "I'd rather they were coming to kill me or my brother."

However, that was not the case. If their goal had been to kill him, So Cheongrak's actions would have been different from the very beginning.

A name that Jin Paecheon had not spoken now came from Geom Mugeuk.

"Where is Miss Jin right now?"

In the next moment, a powerful energy erupted from Jin Paecheon's body.

CHWAAAAAA!

The bamboo stalks bent in unison as Jin Paecheon's energy spread out in all directions.

Geom Mugeuk's hair and clothes whipped about violently as if he were caught in a storm. It was a terrifying energy, suggesting he might draw his sword and strike at any second.

CHAKCHAKCHAKCHAKCHAKCHAKCHAK!

The bodyguards who sensed Jin Paecheon's energy flew over and landed nearby. The force had reached even them while they were guarding the outside of the bamboo forest.

Jin Paecheon spoke to the bodyguards.

"Find Haryong and bring her to the Chairman's Hall."

HWIKHWIKHWIKHWIKHWIKHWIK!

Half of the bodyguards launched themselves into the air and vanished from sight.

Jin Paecheon did not stop to question if Geom Mugeuk's words were true.

"Next will be Commander Jin."

Again, the truth of this statement was a matter to be considered later.

"Inform Commander Jin and the Demon Slaying Brigade that the Demonic Fire Lord and the White Bone Spirit Demon may be targeting them."

Another bodyguard shot into the air and disappeared.

Only then did Jin Paecheon dismiss the remaining bodyguards.

Jin Paecheon withdrew his sword-sharp energy and asked, "Does that answer your question now?"

"Yes, that's more than enough."

Though he appeared calm on the outside, a storm was raging inside Jin Paecheon's heart. The thought that his grandchildren's safety was at risk made his mind feel foggy.

It was an order he should have given the moment the question of whose death he could not bear was asked. When Geom Mugeuk had asked where Haryong was, his mind had snapped back to clarity.

"I have one more thing to tell you."

Geom Mugeuk knew this would also be a great shock to the Chairman. However, it was something that absolutely had to be said.

"Do you know of the physician So Cheongrak?"

At the mention of So Cheongrak, Jin Paecheon's gaze turned cold. It was not a name that should have come up in this chaotic conspiracy.

"I know him well."

"What kind of person is he?"

An uneasy feeling grew in Jin Paecheon's heart. What on earth was Geom Mugeuk going to say now?

"Stop beating around the bush and get to the point."

First the Heaven's Edge Hermit and now So Cheongrak. The Chairman's trust in him might fall even further, but Geom Mugeuk had no other choice.

"He is also one of the masterminds. And a master of poison arts."

He had braced himself for a rough, explosive reaction.

Jin Paecheon, who had been staring quietly into Geom Mugeuk's eyes, turned his head to look at the bamboo forest. His gaze was incredibly calm.

"You're not surprised."

"In a situation where my only friend might be an enemy, what is there left to be surprised about?"

Despite his words, Jin Paecheon's heart was a complicated mess.

So Cheongrak was a physician who did as much good as the Heaven's Edge Hermit. He had praised him to others countless times and had met him on several occasions.

And yet, he was also a mastermind? The idea was so absurd that he did not even feel angry.

The mists that had scattered from his energy began to fill the area again, shrouding the surroundings once more.

"Do you have proof?"

"I have the most certain proof."

"What is it?"

"It's me."

With an expression that asked what he meant, Jin Paecheon turned his head to look at Geom Mugeuk.

"He poisoned me himself."

"!"

What proof could be more certain than this? That is, if one truly believed Geom Mugeuk.

However, what if one did not?

"Isn't that the most uncertain proof?"

Knowing what the Chairman meant by that, Geom Mugeuk could only offer a faint smile.

"If you were poisoned, how are you so perfectly fine?"

Geom Mugeuk let out a light sigh.

"You might get very angry at what I'm about to tell you."

After laying the groundwork, he continued.

"The Poison King is here in Wuhan."

For the Chairman, it must have been a series of shocks. The Heaven's Edge Hermit, the Demonic Seal Mandate, So Cheongrak, the Poison King.

"……"

The low sigh that Jin Paecheon let out echoed in the quiet surroundings. Geom Mugeuk could feel how hard the Chairman was trying to control his emotions.

The Poison King's presence was a different matter from another Demon Supreme being here.

"The counterfeit hidden weapons were coated in a powerful poison. Since it was related to my brother, I asked the Poison King to protect him."

Geom Mugeuk bowed his head respectfully.

"I'm sorry for not telling you in advance."

Jin Paecheon asked in a frosty tone, "You said you trusted me, so why didn't you tell me?"

Geom Mugeuk raised his head and met Jin Paecheon's gaze. It was the coldest look he had received since they first met.

"Knowing that the Heaven's Edge Hermit was behind this, I judged that I had to move cautiously. Until then, I couldn't leave the Cult."

It was an excuse that contained the truth, but Geom Mugeuk did not stop there.

"At the time, I thought it was the best course of action, but thinking about it now, I should have found a way to inform you first, Chairman. I'm sorry."

Geom Mugeuk conveyed his true feelings.

"To be honest, I was worried. The mastermind is someone who has been friends with you for decades, Chairman, so I was worried that telling you rashly might ruin things. In short, I didn't trust you, Chairman. I have no right to speak of trust to you."

Jin Paecheon silently looked down at the back of Geom Mugeuk's bowed head.

After some time passed, he spoke.

"I will accept your apology."

"Thank you."

He had every right to be furious about the matter of the Poison King. No matter the circumstances, the Poison King entering Wuhan without his permission was something that should never have happened. Nevertheless, there was a reason Jin Paecheon accepted this apology.

"Looking at the back of your mischievous-looking head, a thought suddenly occurred to me. What if everything you've said is true? What if you hadn't told me any of this? Then I would have faced this situation knowing nothing."

A truly unpleasant thought followed.

"What if I didn't know that my friend, the layman Hwa, was an enemy, that So Cheongrak was an enemy, and that the old demons who broke the Demonic Seal Mandate were coming to kill Haryong and Commander Jin?"

Even as he said it, a chill ran down Jin Paecheon's spine.

Jin Paecheon asked with his eyes. Is it all really true?

At that, Geom Mugeuk, who had been serious the whole time, smiled brightly and said, "If I were you, Chairman, I would be truly delighted. I would have danced in the middle of the Demon Village, thinking that the heavens had given me a chance to protect what's precious to me."

Geom Mugeuk drew Jin Paecheon into that dance.

"So if you succeed in saving Commander Jin and Miss Jin, you won't dance, Chairman?"

Jin Paecheon was flustered by the unexpected question, but his answer was firm.

"Of course, I'll dance. What wouldn't I do if the kids are safe?"

"Yes, it's the same for me. If my words turn out to be true and we save Miss Jin and Commander Jin because of it, then you'll dance with me! You promised!"

Looking at the broadly smiling Geom Mugeuk, he could not bring himself to say, 'No, I didn't promise!' It was probably because the children's lives were at stake.

"And if my words turn out to be false, isn't it a golden opportunity to separate this dangerous friend from the Demonic Cult from your grandson? So please, be happy. It's good if I'm right, and it's good if I'm wrong. It's a joyous occasion either way."

Jin Paecheon's gaze deepened as he looked at Geom Mugeuk.

Was it because of his clear, deep eyes? Or was it because of his uninhibited words? Listening to Geom Mugeuk, everything he said sounded like the truth. He was captivating enough to enthrall even an old man like himself.

"I have one last thing to say."

At those words, Jin Paecheon made a baffled expression.

"After talking so much, you still have more to say?"

"It's something I must say to you, Chairman."

It was about his trust with Jin Paecheon.

"From now on, I will trust you, Chairman. So, no matter what happens, I will tell you everything so that no misunderstandings arise. Please watch me."

The Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult says he trusts the leader of the Murim Alliance and asks to be watched. He asks him to dance together. Listening to him, he seemed like the kind of person who would really keep all his promises.

This was the kind of person he was, which was why he had warned his grandson to be careful, emphasizing it again and again.

And in that moment, Jin Paecheon thought to himself.

I should be careful myself.

Geom Mugeuk bowed politely and turned away.

As he was descending from the pavilion, Jin Paecheon spoke calmly from behind him.

"Nevertheless…"

Geom Mugeuk stopped in his tracks and looked back at him.

"I hope that everything you've said is not true."

Toward that half-serious, half-joking gaze, Geom Mugeuk replied earnestly.

"No, I hope everything I've said is true. If it's not… that would mean I'm the enemy."

Geom Mugeuk let out a light sigh and added, "Wouldn't that be a problem in its own right?"

Returning to his residence, Geom Mugeuk gathered his brother and the two Demon Supremes in one place.

"I told the Chairman that Miss Jin and Commander Jin would be the targets, but there is one more person I have in mind."

The Demonic Buddha read Geom Mugeuk's mind and pointed to one person.

"The Heaven's Edge Hermit, right?"

Geom Mugeuk nodded, convinced.

"Yes, I believe he is the number one priority."

The reason was easy enough to guess. If he were to die at the hands of a demon, a great conflict would erupt between the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and the Murim Alliance.

"But why is he the top priority? I'd think the death of his own blood would be more of a shock to the Chairman."

Geom Mugeuk nodded at Geom Muyang's words.

"Yes, that shock would be incomparable."

"But why? Is it because the Heaven's Edge Hermit is more respected by martial artists?"

"In that respect, the impact of Commander Jin's death would be considerable as well. Think about it, it's not just anyone, but the head of the Demon Slaying Brigade killed by one of our Cult's martial artists. In terms of symbolism, it might not be as much as the Heaven's Edge Hermit, but his death would also cause the orthodox sects' martial artists to rise up like wildfire. Besides, he's the Chairman's grandson, isn't he?"

"So why do you say the Heaven's Edge Hermit is the top priority?"

The reason Geom Mugeuk judged it this way was because of this.

"Because of the Chairman's justification."

Geom Mugeuk knew Jin Paecheon's character well.

"Could the Chairman really start a war just because his own blood was killed?"

He was a man who had dedicated his entire life to chivalry, righteousness, and the justice of the murim.

"He's a man who has lived for the martial artists of the orthodox sects, so could he drive them to their deaths just because his own family died? With his noble character? It would be easier if it were a stranger."

On the other hand, what if the Heaven's Edge Hermit dies?

"A man respected by all martial artists of the orthodox sects dies at the hands of a demon. If he were to endure that, he would be criticized instead."

Only then did everyone nod. If the goal was to create a rift between the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and the orthodox sects, then the Heaven's Edge Hermit was indeed a worthy top priority.

However, there was this question.

"Even so, they would sacrifice someone they've nurtured for decades?"

Geom Mugeuk answered Geom Muyang's question.

"That's why it would be more meaningful. If the MaJang Hu War were to break out with the sacrifice of just one person."

Geom Mugeuk added another possibility to that.

"What if it's not just one death? What if the Heaven's Edge Hermit dies and Miss Jin dies? What if the Heaven's Edge Hermit dies and Commander Jin dies? Or what if all three die? Not only would the Chairman's fury be absolute, but no one would be able to stop the MaJang Hu War from breaking out."

No matter how insane a demon might be, there would not be a master who would commit such an act. However, what if they were people with nowhere to return to?

A brief silence fell.

The Demonic Buddha, who had been listening to the brothers' conversation, asked, "How will you deal with it?"

The Demonic Buddha had no idea how fortunate it was that this question was directed at Geom Mugeuk. He himself had not been able to come up with the thoughts Geom Mugeuk had just laid out.

"We'll have to deal with them one by one."

Geom Mugeuk had already decided on the first target.

"Who in Wuhan could possibly release the restriction of the Demonic Seal Mandate?"

At that, as if it were obvious, the Poison King answered curtly.

"So Cheongrak."

Geom Mugeuk thought the same. It was likely So Cheongrak who had performed the grand technique to save the Brawling King, who had been poisoned by the Poison King in the past.

The Queen of Darkness had said it back then. That he had saved him by performing the grand technique multiple times. Being able to perform the grand technique meant he could also release the restriction of the Demonic Seal Mandate.

Whether he did it alone or had help from someone else was unknown, but it was certain that So Cheongrak was at the center of it.

"Since he dared to challenge the Poison King, let's deal with So Cheongrak first."

It might seem like all separate issues, but this matter was all organically intertwined. And if one of those links were to be broken?

"When they can no longer release the restriction of the Demonic Seal Mandate, how will the two old demons react?"