Chapter 737: Only One Person Is Allowed To Do That

TL: FoodieMonster007

"Have you ever met my father?" Tae Su asked, stunned. Those words matched his father's exactly.

Could it be a coincidence? Or does this person actually know my father?

Geom Mugeuk shook his head. "No, but I've heard he's a man of firm principles."

At least, not in this life.

Tae Su's expression hardened at the mention of 'principles'.

Geom Mugeuk continued, "I heard he only steals from the unjust and gives a portion to the poor. Is that right?"

Tae Su nodded silently. His father had taught him never to break that principle, but he had always resented that teaching.

If his father wanted to do good deeds, he should have lived as a righteous warrior. What conscience could a thief possibly have? If you were going to be called a thief anyway, you might as well steal everything without discrimination.

Those feelings festered until the day he finally exploded.

"Father, are your principles for the sake of good deeds? Or are they just to justify your thievery?"

His father had offered no answer, but Tae Su saw it all on his face, the anger, the disappointment, the bewilderment. He hadn't seen his father since that day.

"Father is…" Tae Su had meant to say 'a great man', but he hesitated. When Geom Mugeuk had pointed a sword at him just moments ago, his father was the very shield he'd used, but a lump formed in his throat and strangled the words before they could escape.

Geom Mugeuk finished his hesitant thought, "For us sons, fathers are really difficult to deal with, huh."

Tae Su's stiff expression softened without him knowing, when he saw that strange look in Geom Mugeuk's eyes again.

He's looking at me with those eyes again.

The look seemed to hold something he desperately wanted to say.

"Well, we've eaten, so shall we get going?" Geom Mugeuk led the way while the two Demon Supremes followed. After walking some distance, he turned back to find Tae Su still standing in the same spot. "What are you doing? Aren't you coming?"

"You have to release my acupoints for me to move."

"They've been released for a while now."

Tae Su's eyes widened. His subdued acupoints had indeed been released. While his inner arts remained sealed, his body could move freely.

Since when?

He hadn't felt even a hint of a finger qi bullet flying toward him.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Flower Sword Supreme, however, knew better than the target himself just how incredible a technique this was.

After they descended the mountain, Geom Mugeuk's group found the carriage they'd left at a private house and set off. The Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Flower Sword Supreme rode inside while Geom Mugeuk and Tae Su sat in the driver's seat.

When Geom Mugeuk started the carriage on his own, Tae Su asked with a puzzled expression, "Do you even know where we're going?"

He'd expected to be asked for directions, or at least if this was roughly the right way.

"Until you tell me, I'm going wherever I please. If we happen to go too far in the wrong direction, just give the reins a gentle pull."

Looking at the face that seemed ready to poke him in the side again at any moment made Tae Su realize that figuring out this young man would be no easy task.

"Come to think of it, I don't even know your name."

Geom Mugeuk's gaze deepened slightly. He watched the open road ahead for a moment before stating his name. "It's Geom Mugeuk."

Inside the carriage, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Flower Sword Supreme glanced at each other. They knew their Young Cult Leader usually used the name Geom Yeon when outside the cult, so revealing his real name meant he was willing to reveal his identity as well.

Of course, Tae Su had no idea that the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult was named Geom Mugeuk. Even if he'd known, he would have assumed it was merely someone with the same name. After all, why would the Young Cult Leader be carrying luggage and personally cooking a mushroom dish for him?

Tae Su glanced at Geom Mugeuk. "Can you tell me which sect you belong to?"

"I could, but you'd be better off not knowing."

"Why's that?"

"Because if you knew, stealing my heart would become much more difficult. Just follow your heart."

Tae Su completely misunderstood the refusal.

He must be from one of the orthodox sects. Probably a prestigious noble family

He felt that if they were from the Demonic Cult or the unorthodox sects, they would have revealed their identities without being asked, if only to intimidate him.

In that case, he needed to figure out who was leading these three. At first, it seemed to be the old man, but observing them eat made him reconsider. Although the young man didn't carry luggage or cook, for some reason, he seemed to be in charge.

"Then may I ask what your relationship is with those two?" he asked.

A family Elder? A Master?

Geom Mugeuk's answer was completely unexpected.

"They're my wings."

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Flower Sword Supreme inside the carriage immediately shared a laugh. Indeed, they were the very two people who'd become the Young Cult Leader's left and right wings.

"With just these two, I can chew up and swallow this entire Central Plains."

"Just the three of you?"

"You're going to be on our side now, too. So that makes four!"

Tae Su looked away. I'm supposed to steal the heart of this unpredictable person?

A task more difficult than any theft he'd ever committed was just beginning.

The moving carriage stopped beside a lake.

"Get out and take a look over there," Geom Mugeuk said.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Flower Sword Supreme stepped out of the carriage. The setting sun bled its colors across the vast lake beside the road while light stretched into the sky and seeped into the water, the two blending into a magnificent vista.

Geom Mugeuk leaped onto the carriage roof and sat down. "Isn't it a truly breathtaking sight?"

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Flower Sword Supreme nodded in unison. It was the first time the two of them had seen such a beautiful sunset together, and Geom Mugeuk had stopped the carriage for them.

Geom Mugeuk grinned. Enjoy this moment to your heart's content!

While the three of them gazed at the spectacular view, Tae Su remained in the driver's seat, looking at the other side of the road. He could understand the two masters from the carriage, but why would a perfectly young man be so captivated by a sunset? It all felt like hypocrisy and pretense, probably just flattery to get on the good side of the two masters.

How should I escape?

If things continued like this, he would die at their hands. He had to lead them to the Grave of Swords and use its traps to either escape or eliminate them.

Suddenly, an unseen force seized him, lifting him into the air and putting him down beside Geom Mugeuk on the carriage roof.

Geom Mugeuk, who had used telekinesis, asked, "You were just thinking wicked thoughts, weren't you? Scheming about how to kill us and get away? Were you planning to use the traps at the Grave of Swords?"

"N-No!" Tae Su stammered uncontrollably. The accusation was so accurate it had been impossible to prepare for.

"You can think your wicked thoughts later, but this is a scene you won't be able to see again. You have to watch it when you can. There is no later."

Why is there no later? I'm living his life, risking my neck, precisely for that 'later'.

Tae Su forced down the words that rose to his throat and looked at the sunset. Just then, a flock of birds flying low skimmed the lake's surface and sent up droplets that burst with red light. It was, admittedly, beautiful.

He suddenly realized this was the first time he'd ever seen such a sight. He'd never once stood by a lake at sunset, his life having been spent busily, either being chased or chasing others.

"If I sit next to you and pretend to find that scenery beautiful, can I steal your heart?"

Geom Mugeuk smiled and nodded. "Yes. Because I'll think, 'At least this guy is trying.'"

Tae Su stared at him. "Even if it's a lie?"

"Isn't doing nothing and making no effort a deception in itself?"

Tae Su bit his lip slightly, then steeled his resolve. "Fine. If that's what you want, I can be actively hypocritical for you."

A smile formed on Geom Mugeuk's lips. "Alright, go ahead and try."

He watched the sunset and waited, but now that the stage was set, Tae Su couldn't get the words out.

Geom Mugeuk egged him on, "It's not that hard, is it? Just smile and say, 'It's truly beautiful.' That one phrase is enough. 'Thank you for letting me sit next to you like this' would be even better."

Tae Su sighed. Even with the example, the words wouldn't come easily. When they first met, he'd tried to deceive Geom Mugeuk with tears welling in his eyes. He'd prided himself on his acting skills, second to none.

Is it pride that's holding him back now? Or something else?

"I'll do it later," he finally muttered.

"Alright, then." Geom Mugeuk didn't press him.

Standing side by side below, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon gazed at the lake and sent a telepathic message to the Flower Sword Supreme. [That thief won't have an easy time. He's been told to steal the most difficult thing in the world.]

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon knew that while might seem like Geom Mugeuk gave his affection to just about anyone, that was absolutely not the case. He knew very well how difficult it was to truly win that man's heart. [Only one person has ever succeeded in stealing it.]

The Flower Sword Supreme looked at him. [You?]

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon shook his head as if the idea was ridiculous. [Not me. Maybe the Masked Guy?]

[Is that so? I thought it was you for sure, Orabeoni.]

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon flinched at the word Orabeoni. It was a title he hadn't heard in a long time, something he only heard when the Flower Sword Supreme was in a good mood.

[…You're in as good a mood as I am.]

CLIP CLOP CLIP CLOP!

All of a sudden, a group of martial artists rushed toward them, several dozen strong. In an instant, they surrounded the carriage, the aura of each one extraordinary.

A familiar face walked out from among them. It was Chu Yeon, the Flying Dragon Boss's daughter. Behind her stood the remaining four of the Ten Dragons of the Flying Dragon. They'd lost six of their number in that cave.

"Hey, luggage carrier," she snapped. "I couldn't find your bodies, no matter how hard I looked."

Not only their bodies, but also the treasure map!

Her gaze shifted to Tae Su. "So, you're taking him with you."

"We're going with him to save his younger sister."

Chu Yeon scoffed. "You must take me for a fool. Masters like you are moving for someone like him?"

She didn't believe it because there were too many suspicious things. Her gaze shifted to the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Flower Sword Supreme, who were still fixed on the lake, not even glancing her way. They hadn't changed at all from the cave, still paying her no mind.

Let's see just how much you can ignore me.

A man with white hair stepped out from behind Chu Yeon. He was Jong Baek, an Elder of the Flying Dragon Gang, and the man her father trusted most. Furthermore, he was a master who not only possessed profound martial arts but also had extensive knowledge of the murim. His fiery and fearsome personality made him the person she feared above all others.

"Are you sure it's them?"

"Yes, they must have the treasure map."

Jong Baek imbued his voice with inner qi. "I am Jong Baek, and a Flying Dragon Gang Elder. May I ask where you esteemed masters are from?"

Although he asked politely, he had already made up his mind. No matter who the opponent was, he was determined to cut them down if they got in the way of his quest. They had already suffered too great a loss in the Cave of Ten Thousand Paths to back down now. His gaze fell upon the two masters who were still standing with their backs to him.

Yeon was right, they are no ordinary individuals.

He couldn't gauge the couple's skills at all from their appearance, but that was fine. His forces wouldn't be pushed back, no matter who they fought.

His gaze returned to Geom Mugeuk. "Then you answer."

"We are not from a great sect like the Flying Dragon Gang. Why would we reveal ourselves in the middle of a struggle for a treasure map? I hope you understand."

Jong Baek studied Geom Mugeuk intently.

Chu Yeon stepped forward and said politely, "That man is merely a luggage carrier. You need not pay him any mind."

Jong Baek sighed. He could tell she was misjudging their opponent. The young man before him showed no signs of having learned martial arts, yet his presence was stronger than anyone else's here. "Very well. Then is it true that you have the treasure map?" he asked.

Geom Mugeuk shook his head. "No. The Young Lady has misunderstood."

Chu Yeon stepped forward again. "If you're so confident, then let us search your luggage."

"You can search my body and my luggage all you want, but you cannot search those two. Only one person in the world is allowed to do that," Geom Mugeuk refused.

A tense atmosphere filled the air, until it was broken by a calm yet elegant voice.

"It's been a while, Elder Jong," the Flower Sword Supreme said, slowly turning around to face them.

Finally, Jong Baek saw her face.

Huh? I've definitely seen that face before, but I can't remember where. I'm sure I've heard that voice before, too. Who is she?

His instincts screamed at him. He had to remember, and quickly.

The Flower Sword Supreme slowly approached him. "I've changed a lot, so it probably won't be easy to recognize me."

As the woman walked, Jong Baek noticed the engraving on her sword scabbard. It was a red camellia flower, as vivid as blood.

Jong Baek's gaze snapped back to her. Recognition dawned, and he recoiled in shock. "Y-You are!"

Finally, he recognized the Flower Sword Supreme. As she said, she was completely different from before when she wore heavy makeup and flamboyant clothes. He hadn't been able to recall her because he never imagined he would meet her in a place like this.

Before he could say anything, she glanced back at Geom Mugeuk and calmly stated, "I am currently traveling in the service of a precious person."

Jong Baek shivered as if struck by lightning. A Demon Supreme is mentioning the words 'precious person'? That can only mean…!

He looked from her to Geom Mugeuk and then apologized, "Our gang has made a grave mistake. This old man wishes to cut off an arm to beg for forgiveness, so please accept it."

Chu Yeon's eyes widened in shock. The fearsome and powerful Elder Jong was going to cut off his own arm without even fighting? She and the other martial artists were all bewildered.

Jong Baek drew his sword without hesitation. "I sincerely hope you will forgive me."

SHWIIIIK!

Before anyone could stop him, he swung the sword down toward his arm.

Chu Yeon screamed in horror.

GWAK!

The next moment, Jong Baek was more surprised than if his arm had been cut off. Geom Mugeuk appeared before him, his hand firmly clamped around his wrist. He hadn't noticed the man move at all, he was caught in an instant. Had the young man aimed for his neck instead of his arm, he would have died instantly.

This person can kill me in one strike…

He couldn't believe his eyes. He was sure that this young man wasn't the Demonic Cult Leader, but the Young Cult Leader.

Seeing the old man frozen in shock, Geom Mugeuk smiled. "Elder Jong, there is something I need you to do with this precious arm."