Chapter 782: This Is Why You Shouldn't Carelessly Accept Gifts

TL: FoodieMonster007

Sama Myeong commanded the situation from the All-Knowing Hall operations room, which always went on high alert whenever the Young Cult Leader left the cult.

This time was different though. This was the first time Geom Mugeuk had ever left with four Demon Supremes and the Demonic Army. The Ghost Shadow Squad and bodyguards had departed as well, making it the largest procession in history.

A strategist approached and reported on the Young Cult Leader's movements. "The Young Cult Leader has finally entered Hunan."

The Young Cult Leader's destination was Dongting Lake in northern Hunan. On the Central Plains topographical map, a strategist moved Geom Mugeuk's flag, labeled Little Demon (小魔),¹ from Guizhou to Hunan.

Next to the flag signifying Geom Mugeuk, the strategist placed the flags of the Demon Supremes. The golden flag bore the character for Buddha (佛), the pure white flag had Smile (笑), the purple flag had Soul (魂), and the sky-blue flag had Wine (酒) written on it.

Next to them went the Demonic Army (军) flag, and beside it, a slightly smaller flag for the Ghost Shadow Squad with the character for Shadow (影).

Just then, another strategist came to report. "The Murim Alliance has requested to be informed of the purpose of this departure."

The Murim Alliance reacted before the Evil Alliance because Hubei, where the Murim Alliance was located, wasn't far from Hunan. Normally, they would have to inform them that the Thousand Flower Palace Chairwoman was going to meet the Saintess.

"Do not respond," Sama Myeong said.

"Yes, Head Strategist."

Their lack of response would strain relations with the Murim Alliance, but it was an unavoidable choice.

Sama Myeong understood the gravity of the situation. Geom Mugeuk could travel with four Demon Supremes because he was close to them. However, taking the Demonic Army as well meant a major battle could erupt.

Since Geom Mugeuk himself had made the judgment, it had to be treated as a dangerous situation. If information leaked to the Murim Alliance or the Evil Alliance, it could seriously hinder his mission.

At that moment, another strategist reported. "Strategist Go of the Hidden Moon requests an audience."

"Show him in."

A visit from Go Wol in a situation like this? Something unusual must be happening.

A moment later, a strategist from the All-Knowing Hall guided Go Wol inside. Very few people within the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult were allowed into the operations room, but Sama Myeong had specially granted Go Wol access.

When organizations with similar natures existed, they were bound to compete. However, the Hidden Moon had thoroughly dedicated itself to a supportive role, passing all credit gained through information to the All-Knowing Hall.

It was as if the Young Cult Leader's Hidden Moon had pledged to support the Cult Leader's All-Knowing Hall. Because of this, no conflict had arisen between the two organizations.

"Greetings, Head Strategist."

"Welcome, Strategist Go."

The current Cult Leader's Head Strategist and the man who would become the next Head Strategist greeted each other warmly.

Go Wol briefly looked around, feeling the busy heat radiating from the All-Knowing Hall strategists.

"Come, let's go inside and have some tea." Sama Myeong led Go Wol into his office and personally brewed tea. "How have you been lately? Busy?"

He thought that would be the case. The mental burden on Go Wol must be immense with the Young Cult Leader's departure.

However, Go Wol replied, "I've decided not to worry about the Young Cult Leader. If I treated him like an ordinary person, I don't think I could endure it."

Sama Myeong smiled. He understood that feeling completely. He himself had lost count of how many times he'd thought it a relief to serve Geom Woojin instead of Geom Mugeuk.

The two sat facing each other and drank tea.

After savoring a sip, Go Wol got straight to the point. "You're a busy man, so I'll get straight to it."

He glanced toward the Central Plains topographical map visible outside the office window, where countless flags stood planted.

Sama Myeong naturally expected his eyes to fall upon Geom Mugeuk's location, but they were fixed on the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult Headquarters instead.

There, the largest and most splendid flag, Demon (魔), belonged to the Cult Leader.

Next to it stood two Demon Supreme flags. The green flag bore the character for Poison (毒), and the black flag had the character for Fist (拳) in white. The gray flag symbolizing the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader had the character for Wind (風), and next to it was a new flag, labeled Gunhak (群鶴, Flock of Cranes).

"What do you think when you see those flags?" Go Wol asked.

"?" Sama Myeong didn't understand what Go Wol meant.

Go Wol continued as if he hadn't expected an answer, "Looking at those flags, I had this thought: 'How well-balanced.'"

It was an unexpected answer. Sama Myeong looked at the flags again and saw the truth in it.

Only two Demon Supremes remained in the cult, but they were the strongest—the Fist Demon and Poison Demon. In addition, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader and Ak Gunhak were also present, two individuals with skills at or above the Demon Supreme level.

Go Wol looked at Sama Myeong. "Why do you think the Young Cult Leader created such a balance?"

"Are you saying the Young Cult Leader intended for this to happen?"

If that were true, what did it imply?

Sama Myeong flinched. "Surely not? Did he think our Cult could be attacked?" he asked in disbelief.

Go Wol nodded. "I believe so."

"……" Sama Myeong's expression hardened.

"This is the conclusion I came to after seeing how the Young Cult Leader arranged the split," Go Wol explained. "I thought, perhaps their original plan was to lure out the Young Cult Leader and the Demon Supremes and strike our empty Cult, and perhaps the Young Cult Leader anticipated this and created this balance."

Sama Myeong was silent for a moment. He certainly knew this matter was important.

However, he could say with certainty that he hadn't considered even the slightest possibility of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult Headquarters being attacked. The thought seemed absurd, yet he also felt he might have been careless.

"I felt I had to share this thought with you, Head Strategist."

Sama Myeong hesitated. Normally, the conversation would have ended with a simple, 'Thank you for telling me your thoughts.' However, he knew better than anyone how brilliantly Go Wol had nurtured the Hidden Moon.

Thus, he asked, "If you were in my place, what would you do?"

Go Wol answered calmly, "If I were you, I would light the Demonic Flames."

"!" Sama Myeong was startled. Lighting the Demonic Flames was a symbolic act, a general emergency order for Headquarters.

The moment the Demonic Flames were lit, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult would enter a state of war. All cultists went on high alert, and all traps and formations would operate at their highest level of security.

Their Headquarters would literally transform into an impregnable fortress, an undertaking that required enormous manpower and a vast amount of money.

"Why are you this concerned?" he asked. "It can't be just because of the power balance."

Go Wol smiled. Indeed, it wasn't. The decisive reason lay with Geom Mugeuk. "From the past, whenever I saw the Young Cult Leader, he showed an excessive level of caution and preparation for great dangers to come."

Sama Myeong nodded. That was something he had sensed as well, leading him to wonder, Why would such an outstanding person strive so hard to become stronger?

Moreover, Geom Mugeuk wasn't someone with a lust for power or a desire to show off.

"I believe the Young Cult Leader is sensing a danger that we cannot."

"!"

"As my liege's strategist, I believe that time is now."

A brief silence fell between them.

Sama Myeong fell into deep thought. If Go Wol had come all this way to say this, it was advice that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Ultimately, however, he shook his head. "To light the Demonic Flames, I need the Cult Leader's permission, but he will never allow it."

It might be possible if all the Demon Supremes were present, but to suggest lighting the Demonic Flames when a majority of them were away? The prideful Cult Leader would never accept it.

Go Wol had expected as much. "That's why you and I must persuade him, Head Strategist. Isn't that our job? I'll help."

Sama Myeong was taken aback. For Go Wol, a strategist not of the All-Knowing Hall, to step before the Cult Leader on such a matter required risking his life. It showed just how importantly he viewed this issue.

"Save that courage for your Cult Leader later." Sama Myeong shook his head and rose from his seat. "I'll persuade my Cult Leader."

The Sword King silently stared at the wall. The writings of incredible people were inscribed there.

This was the second floor of the Alluring Inn. Jo Cheonbae had given him a spot here since he was a friend of Geom Mugeuk.

On the table sat untouched alcohol and side dishes. If he hadn't known this was Geom Mugeuk's regular tavern, he would have thought the writings were a prank or a forgery.

Just then, someone walked up. To his surprise, it was Geom Woojin.

"Greetings, Cult Leader," he said, bowing respectfully.

Geom Woojin gave a slight nod to accept the greeting.

The Sword King reached for the shoes that had been hanging at his waist.

"If you're more comfortable with them off, keep them off."

"It's alright."

The Sword King put on his shoes.

Geom Woojin slowly walked over and stood beside the Sword King. His gaze was directed at the writings of the Murim Alliance Chairman and the Evil Alliance Chairman.

"You've accomplished something truly great," the Sword King remarked.

Geom Woojin snorted. "You know as well as I do that it wasn't my doing, don't you?"

"You fathered the remarkable son who did it." The Sword King smiled faintly. He was conversing with the Demonic Cult Leader like this because of that remarkable son. He'd received a precious gift from the Cult Leader, also because of that son. He now wore the White Flower Sword instead of his iron sword. "The sword you bestowed upon me is too magnificent," he added.

"I'm glad you like it."

"May I ask why you bestowed such a precious sword upon me?"

The Sword King thought that Geom Woojin must want something for giving him such an incredible sword.

Is it to ask me to persuade his son when a conflict arises between them?

He thought that might be it. Even for this Cult Leader, dealing with that remarkable son wouldn't be an easy task.

However, his prediction turned out to be completely wrong.

"In the future, please stand on that child's side no matter what."

"!" The Sword King stared at Geom Woojin in shock.

"That child will surely have a difficult time."

The Sword King immediately understood. The Cult Leader genuinely cared for his son, but he was also certain that they would one day end up opposing each other.

The Cult Leader really intends to conquer the murim.

He hesitated to answer. Whether Geom Woojin conquered the murim or not was none of his business.

The problem was Geom Mugeuk. To agree would be the same as making a promise to the Cult Leader.

Would I really stay by Geom Mugeuk's side until then? If I make the promise, I would have to stay.

Geom Woojin didn't rush him for an answer. Instead, he felt a sense of approval at his cautious demeanor.

After a long deliberation, the Sword King answered calmly. "Yes, I will."

It was a brief answer, but a look of satisfaction flickered across Geom Woojin's face. "Shall we toast to that promise?" he asked, pouring a cup of wine for the Sword King.

GLUG GLUG!

The Sword King respectfully accepted the drink and drank it down refreshingly.

Then, Geom Woojin also drank the wine poured by the Sword King. It was a drink of promise.

After the toast, Geom Woojin left without a word.

Watching his retreating back, the Sword King sighed. He looked down at the sword and shoes at his waist.

"This is why one shouldn't carelessly accept gifts."

Damn this crazy father son pair!

When Geom Woojin returned to his residence, he found Sama Myeong there waiting for him. "What brings you here?"

Sama Myeong smiled. "I came because I wanted to play a game of Go with you, Cult Leader. It's been a while."

"Excellent, let's go inside."

The two sat facing each other with a Go board between them. It was the very board that Geom Mugeuk had personally made and gifted to him.

CLACK, CLACK…

They exchanged a few words about the excellent board and stones, then only the sound of Go stones being placed could be heard.

As if he'd truly come just to play Go, Sama Myeong focused silently on the game. As the game progressed, however, he made a deep invasion into Geom Woojin's territory, so deep that it would be difficult to survive.

"That's an uncharacteristically bold move for you," Geom Woojin remarked. "Are you confident you can survive after entering my territory where my influence is so strong?"

"If this move caught you off guard, Cult Leader, wouldn't a way be found somehow?"

Geom Woojin stared quietly down at the board. "So you're worried too."

"!" Sama Myeong lifted his head and looked at Geom Woojin. With just that one move, the Cult Leader had guessed why he had visited.

"I suppose I'm getting more worried as I get older," Geom Woojin muttered, still looking at the Go board. "That boy came to see me before he left. He said he was taking the Demon Supremes with him, so I told him to take them all. However, he made this and that excuse and left the Poison King and the Fist Demon behind."

A sneer formed on his lips, clearly revealing his feelings: How arrogant, worrying about his father?

He picked up a Go stone.

Sama Myeong naturally thought he would respond to his move that had jumped into his territory.

However, Geom Woojin replied, "I will not respond to this move of yours. I'll play elsewhere."

Sama Myeong instantly understood. Though Geom Woojin didn't say it aloud, he had basically announced that he wouldn't light the Demonic Flames. "It must hurt your pride to accept this reckless move," he replied, thinking that was only natural.

"No, that's not why."

CLACK!

Geom Woojin added a move to the central fight. "If I respond to that and end up losing, wouldn't the fight over here become disadvantageous?"

"!" Sama Myeong understood the meaning behind that move. If the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult Headquarters became an impregnable fortress, the enemy would most certainly focus all their power on the Young Cult Leader.

Geom Woojin was declaring his intention to draw the enemies toward himself for the sake of his son. The Cult Leader was now revealing his heart through the game of Go, telling them: 'Don't touch my son, come for me instead!'

Sama Myeong, who had been staring silently at Geom Woojin, looked down at the Go board again. "Now, because I played a reckless move by playing elsewhere, the central fight has become difficult."

He felt his chest grow warm.

Right, the Cult Leader is not one to avoid a fight.

The important thing was that the Cult Leader wasn't being careless, and he knew better than anyone just how powerful a non-careless Cult Leader was.

He added another move to try and save his previous stones.

In response, Geom Woojin mercilessly cut between the two stones and started a fight.

CLACK!

"We should be the ones to greet our guests."

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