Chapter 668: Our Time Starts Now

TL: FoodieMonster007

The courtyard was bustling with preparations for departure. A decision had been made for everyone to return to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult Headquarters, leaving only Geom Mugeuk and Geom Muyang behind. It would have been discourteous to the Murim Alliance for so many masters from the Divine Cult to remain in Wuhan now that the matter was concluded.

Two people watched the scene from a short distance away. They were the siblings, Gwak Yeong and Gwak Ju.

"We have to go back with them?"

Brave as the siblings were, having stood up to the Demonic Cult's God of War, they found the prospect of returning with these people far more terrifying.

"And without the one who's taking Noona with him?" Gwak Yeong was even more disappointed by this. She wished Geom Muyang could go with them, but he had said he had business to attend to and would come later.

Come to think of it, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult's First Young Lord was a more difficult and frightening person than those Demon Supremes, yet they were relying on him. She was grateful to Geom Muyang. For such a terrifying person to be someone they could depend on.

Gwak Yeong and Gwak Ju had found out who all those crazy people were. They also learned that the one who had called them crazy was the Poison King.

The Poison King? The very Poison King who made even peerless masters tremble had been the one to crack a joke as he passed them.

Their statuses were all so lofty that it was hard to believe. Would one ever get the chance to meet the former Heavenly Wind Cult Leader and the Demon Supremes in a single lifetime? Yet, four such people were right before their eyes.

"They wouldn't eat us, would they?"

As Gwak Ju spoke, someone interjected from behind.

"They might not eat you, but they could use you as an ingredient for poison."

Gwak Ju turned in surprise to find Geom Mugeuk had approached them.

"You've never been submerged in a vat full of poison, have you? Your body starts to melt, and you can't tell if that thing floating over there is your finger or your ear."

Gwak Ju stared at Geom Mugeuk, swallowing a startled breath. It was not because the vat of poison was scary, but because of the status of the person before him.

The Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult!

He had not known yesterday, but he knew now. A person of even higher status than those four terrifying individuals was speaking to him.

Was this a dream? Yes, this was all a dream. The idea of his Noona, a master artisan from the Murim Alliance smithy, defecting to the Demonic Cult was a dreamlike story to begin with.

"Which carriage are you going to ride?"

Geom Mugeuk's question snapped the dazed Gwak Ju back to his senses.

"Ah, uh. We're…"

Gwak Ju looked at his Noona. As if Gwak Yeong would have decided which one to take either.

Two carriages were currently waiting in the courtyard. The first carriage was for the Demonic Buddha and the Poison King. The second was for the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader and the Soul-Stealing Demon Supreme.

"Who over there seems to have the kindest face?"

At that, the four people about to board the carriages perked up their ears. Geom Mugeuk had spoken to the siblings in a whisper, but how could the hearing of four great masters be ordinary? Besides, Geom Mugeuk was looking right at them while whispering conspiratorially.

Gwak Ju looked at them and whispered softly. "Based on looks alone, that handsome one over there seems the nicest."

He thought they would not hear, but they heard everything.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader frowned. He was not shameless enough to hope to be picked as the most handsome. But the one with the kindest face! That's me, isn't it? When else would he get to use this benevolent impression if not now?

"What if you hop into the first carriage just because he looks nice and make a mistake? You know, right? The poison vat!"

Gwak Ju nodded, his face pale. "Then we'll take the second carriage."

"Right, nothing like that will happen there."

Just as he seemed to be reassuring him, Geom Mugeuk continued.

"However, if you make a mistake there, you'll end up stabbing your Noona to death and then killing yourself. See that ill-tempered, pot-bellied man over there? You have to be especially careful of him."

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader shot a glare in their direction. He could hear everything. Someone stopped him before he could shout at the brat.

"Stop joking around."

Turning around, he saw Geom Muyang standing there.

"You two, take that carriage back."

A third carriage arrived. The ones acting as bodyguards for the carriage were the Branch martial artists who had first come with Geom Muyang. He had ordered them to bodyguard the two to the Headquarters and then return.

Gwak Yeong and Gwak Ju were relieved that they could travel separately from the Demon Supremes.

"I've already sent word, so when you arrive, go to the smithy and meet Master Gwak."

"Thank you for your consideration." Her gaze toward Geom Muyang was filled with many emotions. It was better when she did not know his status and could speak freely. Then she could have conveyed this burning gratitude more clearly. What a shame.

And so, Gwak Yeong and Gwak Ju walked toward the third carriage.

As the two passed by, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader said to the Soul-Stealing Demon Supreme, "People usually pick the one who saved their life as number one."

Just as Gwak Ju flinched, the Soul-Stealing Demon Supreme played along with her Master's lingering grudge.

"I do need the blood of a young man as an ingredient for a grand ritual."

Aiyoo! With a short scream, Gwak Ju scrambled into the third carriage. He knew it was a joke, but it was scary even so.

Gwak Yeong followed with an awkward laugh.

Geom Mugeuk and Geom Muyang watched them.

"You take good care of them from now on."

"You're the one bringing them, Hyung. Why should I take care of them?"

"You're better at taking care of people."

"From what I saw this time, you have a knack for it too, Hyung."

Geom Muyang did not answer. Saving the Gwak siblings this time was a different side of him than his past self. It was an event that allowed him to confirm his own change.

"I like the you of today, Hyung. I like you more and more. So I'm telling you again, don't even dream of going back to how you were."

Just then, the carriages started to depart.

Geom Mugeuk ran up to bid farewell to the Demonic Buddha and the Poison King. "I'll see you at the Headquarters. And when you see the Head Strategist, please tell him not to worry about us and to please get some rest!"

The two did not even look at him, busy discussing poisonous herbs.

"Lord Demonic Buddha! You're just being used!"

And so, the first carriage left.

He entrusted someone else to the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader. "Cult Leader, please take care of our Strategist Go!"

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader slammed the window shut. "As if you're worried!"

Soon after, the door opened slightly, and the Soul-Stealing Demon Supreme gave a nod of farewell. And so, the second carriage also left.

When the third carriage passed, the playful look had vanished from Geom Mugeuk's face. "Welcome to our Cult."

His atmosphere was completely different from before. He had a clear, deep gaze and an overwhelming presence that could not be described in words.

Gwak Yeong and Gwak Ju bowed their heads respectfully. "Thank you so much for accepting us."

And so, the three carriages set off toward the Headquarters.

Geom Mugeuk walked straight out the gate. "I'm going to the Murim Alliance for a bit."

Geom Muyang shook his head and called out loudly. "Is the Murim Alliance your living room, for you to come and go as you please?"

Geom Mugeuk's reply came from beyond the wall. "They told me to come!"

The streets of Wuhan were abuzz with two pieces of news.

First was the death of the Heaven's Edge Hermit, Hwa Yulcheong. When it was revealed that he was a villain who had infiltrated the Murim Alliance, the martial artists of Wuhan were thrown into shock.

The Murim Alliance made its position clear. They announced that the one who personally executed the Heaven's Edge Hermit was the Lord of the Murim Alliance. They also stated that his evil deeds had been confirmed by not only the Chairman's Hall bodyguards but also the martial artists of the Demon Slaying Brigade.

Hwa Yulcheong had taunted Jin Paecheon, asking if the martial artists would truly believe his words, but the fallout was not as great as he had anticipated. Those who had followed him with devout belief raised issues, but far more people believed the Lord of the Murim Alliance and the Murim Alliance itself.

It was not just Jin Paecheon's martial arts skill that Hwa Yulcheong had failed to grasp. He had also failed to understand the true strength of Jin Paecheon, who had lived his entire life as a Chairman with nothing to be ashamed of. Although it would take time for the situation to be fully resolved, there was not enough chaos to become a problem.

There was also a second piece of news that overshadowed the first. It was the news that Jin Hagun had become the successor. The orthodox sects' martial artists cheered at the news. Many had thought that the next Chairman should be Jin Hagun. That was how much the Demon Slaying Brigade had dedicated themselves to the justice and righteousness of the murim, disregarding their own lives.

Geom Mugeuk, wearing a bamboo hat pulled down low, passed through the bustling marketplace, which was noisy with talk of Jin Hagun becoming the successor. The place he arrived at was the Murim Alliance Headquarters.

Jin Haryong was waiting for him at the entrance. She watched as Geom Mugeuk walked toward her.

You saved us again.

Seeing him always reminded her of when she first met him. This was especially true as the significance of the person named Geom Mugeuk grew.

Geom Mugeuk arrived in front of her. "It's all over now, isn't it?"

Geom Mugeuk shook his head at her words. "No! Our time starts now!"

Knowing he meant it was time for them to have fun together, Jin Haryong smiled pleasantly. "Let's go, Grandfather is waiting."

The two entered the Murim Alliance. The place she led him to was not toward the Chairman's Hall. Perhaps an order had been given in advance, as the guards they encountered let them pass without asking for Geom Mugeuk's identity.

The two talked as they walked together.

"Aren't you disappointed?"

"About what?"

"You could have been the successor too, couldn't you?"

"That's something only a person with ambition would covet. I don't have that kind of ambition. The Chairman's granddaughter, and in the future, the Chairman's sister. I'm someone who already has her hands full managing those two roles."

Geom Mugeuk knew she had a greater ambition than that, but he was certain it was not to become the Lord of the Murim Alliance.

"What about Hagun?"

"Orabeoni is in the training grounds right now."

Having inherited the Royal Sword Style from Jin Paecheon, Jin Hagun was training alone. It was crucial to properly consolidate his learning after first receiving it, so he would likely be holed up in the training grounds for a while. This was a more important moment than any other for him right now.

"That's great. We can prepare a celebration party in the meantime."

"Are you really going to do it?"

"Of course. A friend has achieved his dream. Let's just invite our friends and have a small party."

Although 'small' was a word that did not quite suit them.

"I've already invited everyone."

"You're so diligent."

This gathering would truly be a meeting of the official successors of the orthodox, unorthodox, and demonic factions.

Jin Haryong was genuinely curious. "Isn't this kind of thing a bother for you?"

Among the friends gathering, he was the most outstanding in every respect, be it status, martial arts, or character. It would have been natural for him to think, 'Do I really have to be the one to call everyone?'

"If I put up with a little bother, I can throw a celebration that your Orabeoni will never forget for the rest of his life. So why wouldn't I do it just because it's a hassle?"

For a moment, Jin Haryong had a thought. If even someone this outstanding lived so diligently, who was she to do any less? She had to live more diligently!

Of course, he also had a way of flustering people like this.

"When should we start practicing the dance?"

"What?" Jin Haryong stopped in her tracks, a look of shock on her face.

"We have to put on a congratulatory performance."

"No! No way! I'll die of embarrassment! Absolutely not!"

Of course, her refusal was futile against Geom Mugeuk, as she had already become his prey.

"Then it can't be helped."

He's giving up this easily? Of course, that was not the case.

"It's a shame, though. You danced so hard on a day that wasn't even special. This is the most precious day in your Orabeoni's life. And you can't do it because you're embarrassed? Back then, the place was full of masters from the orthodox and unorthodox factions. This time, it's just us. Your Orabeoni is a very magnanimous person, so he'll understand. Someday, when you're older, you'll look back on today and think, 'Ah, it really was nothing. Why was I like that back then? Why did I hurt my Orabeoni's feelings?' You'll probably shed tears of regret at Hagun's grave, right? It's okay, Hagun will still understand."

In the end, Jin Haryong threw up both her hands in surrender. "Aish, really! I'll dance, I'll dance! Fine, I'll dance until I collapse from exhaustion!"

But she could not go down alone. "I have a condition. You have to dance, and Young Alliance Chairman Bi has to dance too!"

She figured Geom Mugeuk would jump at the chance to dance, but she was sure Bi Sayin would never dance. Just as a surge of hope rose within her that if he did not dance, she would not have to either, Geom Mugeuk gave a meaningful smile, as if he had a plan for everything.

"Of course. Sayin will be the center of it all."

Jin Paecheon was waiting deep inside the inner court. Before they arrived, Jin Haryong had already turned back, saying she could go no further. It was clearly a place only the Chairman could enter.

Jin Paecheon stood with his back to him, looking up at the sky.

"You have given me another great lesson this time, Chairman."

Jin Paecheon waited silently for Geom Mugeuk's next words.

"Once you've made up your mind, act immediately."

He was referring to how Jin Paecheon had immediately acted on his decision to name a successor.

Jin Paecheon, still gazing at the sky, said calmly, "The right time to do what must be done is now! I have lived my entire life believing that."

Geom Mugeuk came to stand beside Jin Paecheon. "I will be sure to keep that in mind as I live."

At those words, Jin Paecheon's gaze finally shifted from the sky to Geom Mugeuk. "You should try procrastinating a little."

Geom Mugeuk smiled at Jin Paecheon's joke telling him not to get any stronger.

Jin Paecheon's expression toward Geom Mugeuk was gentle. "If it weren't for you, not only the Alliance, but Hagun and I would have been in great trouble."

"One can never know the future. I'm sure you would have realized everything at the decisive moment, Chairman."

"Would I have, I wonder?"

Although he said it with a negative connotation, Geom Mugeuk believed he would have. "Yes, I'm sure you would have."

"Why are you so certain?"

"Because your instincts for crisis would surely not have let it slide. When a true crisis arose, they would have definitely kicked in."

This was the reason he could not just let it go. The person before him was just that kind of man. He might let the comment about his crisis instinct slide, but he could not ignore this.

"I am a man who is clear about his debts and favors. Since I've incurred a debt, I must repay it."

Jin Paecheon started walking, and Geom Mugeuk followed quietly behind him. After walking a little further, they came to a place thick with fog.

Geom Mugeuk could tell. There were formations laid out here. If these were formations protecting a precious place, he could not possibly be told how to break them.

Just as he was wondering if he should close his eyes and follow, the fog parted on its own, forming a path.

"……"

He did not know the principle behind it, but the fog created a winding path. It went forward, then sideways, then forward again. It was likely a fog that opened a path only for Jin Paecheon. There was no need to worry about where to step or what to skip over. He just had to walk as the fog guided.

When they finally emerged from the long, foggy path, a massive door appeared before his eyes.

Inscribed upon it in a powerful script was the name of the place.

The Murim Vault.