Chapter 804: Gather, Laugh, Chat, Sing, and Dance

TL: FoodieMonster007

Jin Paecheon debated whether to draw his sword. Even the sauce stains on Baek Jagang's face could not relieve his taut tension.

No, that appearance makes even less sense. If this isn't evil arts, then what on earth is?

The situation was so distinct that it was actually suspicious.

Just then, Geom Woojin came out of the kitchen. "You've arrived?"

Jin Paecheon stared piercingly at him. "Cult Leader Geom, is that you?"

Geom Woojin nodded.

Baek Jagang was still sticking his head out through the hole in the kitchen wall. "I was in the middle of learning how to cook from Cult Leader Geom here," he explained.

For a brief moment, a thought crossed Jin Paecheon's mind. Are Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and Evil Alliance conspiring to kill me? What a perfect trap!

Geom Woojin, Baek Jagang, and even the four masters sitting at the table. Even if he had brought Gentleman Sword, could he defeat them? It was impossible.

Of course, Jin Paecheon knew that was not the situation. He must have been truly shocked to even entertain such ridiculous thoughts.

""……"" The Fist Demon, Poison King, Heavenly Wind Cult Leader, and Sword King sympathized with Jin Paecheon. It would be strange not to be surprised after seeing this sight.

The person who stepped forward to resolve this tense situation was, as expected, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader.

"If it were me, I would've already drawn my sword."

Jin Paecheon turned toward him.

Skipping the greetings, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader continued, his expression showing he fully understood how he felt. "What kind of Evil Alliance Chairman comes to help because the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult is in crisis? He should pray for them to go to ruin, right?"

He looked at Baek Jagang sticking his head out of the kitchen, then looked back at Geom Woojin.

"What kind of Demonic Cult Leader teaches cooking to the Evil Alliance Chairman who came to visit randomly? He would probably send a telepathic message to the Poison King over there, telling him to season the Evil Alliance Chairman's soup with imperceptible poison instead of salt."

He was having fun teasing the Cult Leader and Chairmen.

His gaze turned to Jin Paecheon again. "Is that all? What kind of Murim Alliance Chairman comes alone to the Demonic Cult Headquarters to help the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult? Isn't this all a nonsensical illusion and evil arts? If it were me, I would've already blown this place apart."

The moment he heard those words, Jin Paecheon's worries were blown away.

Come to think of it, his coming here was nonsensical to begin with. Right now, Head Strategist Jaegal Hyeon would not be able to tell anyone that he went to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult Headquarters alone. Not only would they not believe it, but everyone would jump up and down asking why he let him go.

Jin Paecheon regarded the people in the room one by one.

First, his eyes met Geom Woojin's.

Right, no evil arts can perfectly recreate this person's spirit, that feeling.

He also looked at Baek Jagang sticking his head out next to him. The Baek Jagang he knew was definitely not someone who would do that.

Why the hell are you sticking your head out from there? And what on earth is that smeared on your face?

Jin Paecheon turned to the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader. Although he was saying silly things, he was undeniably the absolute ruler of Outer Regions.

Here, however, he was not the main character but one of many side characters. Surprisingly, he did not look displeased about it at all.

Next, Jin Paecheon looked at the two Demon Supremes. They were not just any Demon Supremes, but the Fist Demon and the Poison King.

The Cult Leader has truly resolved to fight.

Finally, he looked at the Sword King. Of course, Jin Paecheon knew about this swordmaster who had just joined the Divine Cult. The man was a major source of trouble for the Murim Alliance!

At first, he thought Geom Mugeuk was surprising and amazing, but now, everyone was really changing. It was to the point where he felt a natural anxiety, wondering if he was the only one who remained stagnant.

Only after looking at everyone did he finally clasp his hands in greeting. "My greetings are late."

Everyone seated also stood up and bowed politely.

After finishing the greeting, Jin Paecheon added, "Guess I didn't need to come, huh?"

The people gathered here alone seemed capable of destroying the murim several times over.

The Fist Demon guided him to a seat. "Please sit here."

"Thank you."

Baek Jagang went back into the kitchen. "I'll finish the cooking I was doing. You two talk."

Geom Woojin sat opposite Jin Paecheon. He knew well how difficult it must have been for someone of Jin Paecheon's personality to leave the Murim Alliance and come here at such a time. "Did you come alone?"

Jin Paecheon nodded. "I don't know when the last time was that I came out to the murim alone like this."

Apart from his worries about the Alliance, Jin Paecheon felt a sense of freedom. Although he came as fast as possible, there were a couple of moments where he inevitably had to stop at an inn to eat.

At those times, no one at the inn recognized him. No one could have imagined that the Murim Alliance Chairman would be eating noodles alone in a corner seat. It was a situation so incomparable to the usual official processions where all martial artists bowed their heads and welcomed him, but that moment felt fresh and good.

While eating, he listened to the stories people shared. Who was doing well these days, that a prodigy appeared in a certain village, or that a certain escort agency went under.

Just listening to all that random gossip was fun. It was a fresh joy given by a life he had not experienced. If it were not for the urgent matter, he would have gone to a tea house to drink tea and walked around the marketplace alone.

Suddenly, he wondered if Geom Woojin had such an experience before.

"Have you ever traveled alone, Cult Leader?" he asked.

"I once traveled quietly with my son."

"That must've been nice."

Geom Woojin nodded as if it really had been good. "When you return to the Alliance, try spending time with your grandchildren."

Jin Paecheon sighed. What would his grandchildren think if he asked Jin Hagun or Jin Haryong to go on a vacation together? Would they feel burdened?

Geom Woojin's gaze turned to the sword at Jin Paecheon's waist. "Is that sword perhaps the Gentleman Sword?"

"As expected, you recognized it at once, Cult Leader."

At the mention of the Gentleman Sword, the four masters present were startled.

They had only heard of the legendary Gentleman Sword before, so it was their first time seeing it in person. Since they were all martial artists, they showed interest.

"This sword is my grandson's sword," Jin Paecheon explained, but he knew that at least in this place, whose sword it was did not matter. Who gave it was what mattered. He added, "Your son gave it to my grandson as a gift."

Everyone was surprised to hear it was a gift from Geom Mugeuk, but soon, they all nodded.

As expected! The boldness to give Gentleman Sword as a gift to someone was something only Geom Mugeuk could do.

A smile formed on Geom Woojin's lips.

The Fist Demon could tell what kind of joy was contained in the Cult Leader's smile. The sword Geom Mugeuk wore was the Black Demon Sword the Cult Leader had bestowed personally upon him. He must be pleased that the boy did not get greedy even after obtaining a better sword, and happy that the child was wise enough to gift a sword symbolizing the orthodox sects to the next Murim Alliance Chairman.

Even he, as the boy's master, felt gratified hearing this, so how happy must the father be?

The Fist Demon glanced at the Poison King. Even while sitting at the table together, the Poison King was staring blankly out the window.

He was likely listening to everything regardless. That was probably why he could say that he feared the Young Cult Leader the most. After all, this current situation was yet another anecdote justifying the statement that the Young Cult Leader was the most terrifying of them all.

Of course, not everyone accepted this story with grace.

"Why is he so generous to others?! What about me?!" the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader roared in anger at the unfairness of it all.

Was it only Gentleman Sword? Stray sparks flew toward the Sword King for no reason.

"Didn't the Young Cult Leader give you the White Flower Sword as a gift too? You said he gave you those shoes as well! Why does he give to everyone else but only take from me!"

Geom Woojin spoke to him in a subtle tone. "Didn't you say you were happy because of my son?"

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader narrowed his eyes and stared at Geom Woojin. Spouting facts now instead of offering comfort?

"Hmph, now I see exactly who the Young Cult Leader takes after. He's just a chip off the old block."

Even though it meant his son was as vicious as his father, Geom Woojin laughed in a good mood.

Baek Jagang brought out the food at that moment. "Here is the first dish of my life, completed under the guidance of Cult Leader Geom."

Watching Baek Jagang look so proud, Jin Paecheon finally realized the absurdity of this situation. Right now, the Murim Alliance Chairman was about to eat food cooked by the Evil Alliance Chairman in the front yard of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

Is this really okay!?

This pounding in his chest was different from the tension of facing an enemy. It was closer to the thrill of doing something naughty as a child.

Only one thing was certain. He had now become a part of the crazy illusion created by this gathering. Anyone seeing this would consider it evil arts or an illusion, if only because of his presence.

Geom Woojin picked up his chopsticks first and tasted Baek Jagang's dish, even as Baek Jagang watched nervously.

Geom Woojin nodded, satisfied. "I believe you're ready to graduate from cooking class."

Baek Jagang rejoiced and waited for Jin Paecheon's evaluation.

Jin Paecheon picked up his chopsticks.

Surely it's not poisoned?

Even if he tried not to think about it, the thought occurred naturally since the Poison King was with them.

He chewed the food slowly and carefully before swallowing. He intended to spit it out immediately if there was poison, but to an observer, it looked like he was savoring the flavor.

Suddenly, his eyes widened.

"Why is this…" He paused for a moment before exclaiming in surprise. "…So delicious?"

Baek Jagang's face brightened visibly.

Once the two men had tasted it, the others lifted their chopsticks as well.

Even the Fist Demon, who had some knowledge of cooking, nodded and acknowledged the taste. Of course, this evaluation stemmed from loyalty. Considering who taught him, how could it not be delicious?

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader gave a slightly more objective evaluation. "It would be better if it were a bit spicier, but this is excellent."

"I'll show you a properly spicy flavor next time."

Jin Paecheon, who was listening, inwardly had a thought.

Would there really be a 'next time' for this gathering?

Then again, considering their first three-way encounter, who could have known the three of them would meet again like this? And in the same place, no less.

When the meal was roughly finished, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader asked the question he had been holding back. "Chairman Baek here said he came because he was bored, but what brings our Chairman Jin here?"

Jin Paecheon glared at Baek Jagang. As if that man would come here just because he's bored!

"Do you happen to have any alcohol?" he asked.

The Sword King started to rise to fetch alcohol at Jin Paecheon's request, but the Fist Demon stood up first.

"I'll get it."

The guests were visitors to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, and he believed he should attend to them personally. Since the Poison King was not the type to do such things, he had taken charge of hosting the guests. That was also why he had personally stepped forward to guide them to their seats when the Chairmen first arrived.

When the Fist Demon returned with the alcohol, Geom Woojin poured a drink for Jin Paecheon. "Thank you for coming."

Baek Jagang did not get goosebumps this time, either. The Cult Leader was sincerely grateful that they had come.

"I didn't drink a drop of alcohol on my way here. Surely, one cup here is acceptable."

Since it was not exactly a drinking atmosphere, Jin Paecheon did not offer it to the others and drank alone. He just felt like having a drink.

"To be honest, I came because of Hagun."

The moment he saw Gentleman Sword propped up next to his armchair, he had a premonition that he would eventually end up coming here.

"I've held my grandson to a very strict standard until now."

After entrusting Jin Hagun with the leadership of the Demon Slaying Brigade, he emphasized the path of justice and chivalry. He taught him that a martial artist of the orthodox sects must be willing to lay down his life for righteousness.

"I hoped for my grandson to live cleanly without a single speck of blemish."

Only then could he inherit the position of Chairman.

"Come to think of it, that wasn't for my grandson, but for myself. 'As expected, Chairman raised him well.' That was the evaluation I wanted to hear."

Jin Paecheon calmly revealed his inner thoughts, and everyone listened quietly.

"Since I've pushed him so hard all his life, shouldn't I grant my grandson's request just this once?"

Jin Paecheon looked at Geom Woojin. Words that no one had expected flowed from his mouth.

"At the very least, you won't die here before I do."

He intended to fulfill his grandson's wish to help his friend's father, no matter what.

Geom Woojin met Jin Paecheon's gaze. He knew that Jin Paecheon might choose to remain silent, but he was not a man who lied.

He did not say thank you. He simply met Jin Paecheon's gaze calmly.

Meanwhile, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader rolled his eyes in disbelief. No matter how much he thought about it, he did not think the Celestial Killer Star would dare appear in a situation like this.

"If the Celestial Killer Star is in his right mind, would he come here? Especially when all three of you are gathered."

"He will come."

The person who spoke so decisively was, surprisingly, Geom Woojin.

Everyone's gaze turned to him. His calm eyes turned toward Jin Paecheon and Baek Jagang. "I was half-doubtful until the two of you arrived. However, seeing that you're here, the Celestial Killer Star will definitely come."

While the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader thought he would not come because everyone had gathered, Geom Woojin thought the opposite.

"Because fate has gathered us in one place."

It meant there was the pull of destiny.

"Just as the two of you opened that door and walked in, the Celestial Killer Star will open that door and enter."

Geom Woojin felt the wheel of fate rolling toward them, so unlike his usual self, he revealed his inner thoughts. It was an expression of gratitude to the two Chairmen who had come all this way.

"I know that the two of you are wary of me and don't trust me."

Jin Paecheon and Baek Jagang's eyes settled calmly.

They knew. Regardless of this battle, Geom Woojin was still a man who dreamed of unifying the murim.

They knew that perhaps a more difficult and terrifying battle than the one against the Celestial Killer Star awaited them.

As if acknowledging that fact, Geom Woojin said, "However, let us consider this battle as one independent of our personal relationships and stances."

His reason for being here was because of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, nor was it to defend his pride as a martial artist. Of course, it was not for the peace of the murim, either.

"This battle is deeply connected to our children."

Not only Geom Mugeuk, but Jin Hagun and Bi Sayin had also been fighting life-and-death battles against those bastards.

"As time passes, they'll inevitably have to live busy and difficult lives."

Those children would one day have to live carrying the greatest responsibilities in the murim on their shoulders.

"So for now, let the children gather, laugh, chat, sing, and dance."

Finding joy in a brief rest at an inn. Smiling brightly at the success of a first dish.

Geom Woojin looked at everyone, making eye contact with each of them in turn. Jin Paecheon, Baek Jagang, the Fist Demon, the Poison King, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader and the Sword King.

"Let us end this battle in our generation."