Chapter 845: Even the Fearsome Heavenly Demon Soul Will Smile

TL: FoodieMonster007

While Geom Mugeuk was away getting drinks, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader and the Sword King sat side by side, gazing up at the moon. They had grown quite close during the fight at the Alluring Inn, so the silence between them was not awkward at all.

"The Hero Inn, what a wonderful name," the Sword King commended.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader grinned proudly. In truth, the name had only popped into his head the moment he heard Geom Mugeuk's suggestion upon entering the building, but he said, "I put a lot of thought into it for you."

"Thank you, but I still don't know if I can live such a life." The Sword King sighed. Geom Mugeuk's proposal was not something one could accept without immense resolve. "I've only ever lived for myself. Can I really live while taking care of other people?"

Operating a large establishment meant managing dozens of employees.

Can I really manage them and also maintain a good relationship with Cha Yiran? Would Cha Yiran even want to live that kind of life with me in the first place?

And yet, the fact that he was contemplating it so deeply meant a part of him wanted to try. It was a surprising turn for a man who had spent his life only thinking of running somewhere far away.

"Is there anything in the world you can't do if you set your mind to it? It's just that setting your mind to it is the hard part," the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader said emphatically.

The Sword King immediately understood why he had said that. This was the very man who had made the biggest, most life-altering decision of them all. The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader had cast aside his entire cult to come here, yet he was agonizing over opening a single tavern!

"Cult Leader, have you ever regretted your decision to come here?"

Various emotions flickered across the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader's face. He could have just laughed it off, but instead, he revealed his honest feelings. "Why wouldn't I?"

The period when he roamed the Central Plains with Go Wol, establishing one Hidden Moon branch after another, had been particularly difficult. Protecting Go Wol, who was completely absorbed in his work, was a meaningful task, but creating the Hidden Moon was not what he had wanted to do.

"It's embarrassing to say, but there were times I fell asleep thinking of my days as the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader. I actually even missed that damn sandstorm."

The Sword King nodded in understanding.

This made the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader feel he could be honest with the Sword King.

He must be a decent person if Geom Mugeuk likes him so much.

Beyond that, the Sword King simply had a certain charm. He seemed like the kind of person who would not use a story told in confidence as a weakness.

"What about now? Do you still regret it?" the Sword King asked.

"Now… I still regret it sometimes."

The Sword King laughed, and the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader laughed along with him.

"This is all because of the Young Cult Leader, so you should be careful too. You might find yourself lying in bed at your inn, missing this very moment. There's no rule that says you won't become 'that ponytail from back then'. Ah! I was bewitched back then. Why was I so bewitched by that Young Cult Leader who doesn't even visit?"

Just then, a voice came from behind.

"That's more like it! Now you sound like our Cult Leader," Geom Mugeuk exclaimed, returning with the drinks. "Weren't you just hiding and waiting for me to badmouth someone before you showed up?"

"I can see why you'd think that!"

Geom Mugeuk grinned and sat down between the two men. "On a day like this, we have to have a drink. This is a meaningful day. I can finally speak comfortably with you, and we also have a cool name for the inn, Hero Inn."

"I haven't decided to choose that yet," the Sword King protested.

However, in Geom Mugeuk's mind, the inn had already opened its doors. "What are you so worried about? If things get troublesome and complicated later, just write this in big letters and post it on the entrance. 'Warning! The Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult is the innkeeper's friend.'"

The Sword King laughed and shook his head. "That would only cause ten times more trouble!"

"And it'd be ten times more fun for us watching, hehe!" Geom Mugeuk put down cups for everyone. "Here, please accept a drink from me."

He poured a drink for the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader first, and then for the Sword King.

The Sword King poured a drink for Geom Mugeuk. "Have a drink from me."

They toasted and drank, savoring the alcohol as they sat on a wide rock in the courtyard, the moonlight their only appetizer.

"This is nice."

"It is nice."

Words of appreciation came naturally from all of them.

Setting down his cup, Geom Mugeuk voiced the words that had been deep in his heart. "I'm so glad everyone is safe."

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader and the Sword King looked at Geom Mugeuk. They knew full well how hard he had struggled to save everyone.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader said, "It was you who saved us all."

A smile formed on Geom Mugeuk's lips. He was always the one saying what others wanted to hear, but he also longed to hear those words himself.

He had really wanted to hear, 'Well done, you saved them all.'

He had strived for so long just to hear that one phrase.

He looked at the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader with gentle eyes. "And you, Cult Leader, saved me. Thanks to you, I'm sitting here drinking."

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader loved to take credit, but not for that final battle. "I just took the opportunity to step forward. Who there would have wanted you to die? Even if everyone else died because he wasn't killed… as long as you were in his body, your father wouldn't have killed him. I'm sure of it."

Geom Mugeuk was suddenly reminded of what the old man had said.

"Don't worry. The people you've made cool will in turn lead you to be even cooler."

He asked, "I heard you stood in front of me and asked my father, 'Are you crazy?'"

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader waved his hands dismissively. "I was the crazy one back then."

Everyone laughed together at his words.

The three men drank cheerfully. After they had emptied their drinks and were getting up to leave, Geom Mugeuk made plans for the future.

"When Lee Ahn and Division Leader Cha return, the four of us should have a drink."

"Okay!" the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader agreed immediately.

On the other hand, the Sword King flinched slightly at the mention of Cha Yiran.

Geom Mugeuk did not miss the change in his expression. "That's why you absolutely need Division Leader Cha!"

He and the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader left the Sword King's residence.

As they were walking through the inner garden together, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader briefly stopped. "Young Cult Leader."

"Yes, Cult Leader?"

"Can I ask you something?"

"Please, go ahead."

"Is my being by Go Wol's side a burden to him?"

"A burden?"

"Exactly what it sounds like. I'm asking if he might feel like he has to take responsibility for me to the end, since he's the one who brought me here."

"You curse the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult so freely, yet you're worried about what Strategist Go thinks." Geom Mugeuk offered words of encouragement to the awkwardly smiling Heavenly Wind Cult Leader. "He persuaded you so earnestly to come here, how could he find you a burden! If he does, you should just up and leave. People don't know how precious someone is until they're gone."

"He's so busy he wouldn't even notice I was gone," the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader mumbled worriedly.

Geom Mugeuk sighed. When one started worrying, useless imaginations can consume a relationship. The best response in such a situation was to face it directly. Therefore, he said, "Speaking of which, shall we go see our Strategist Go? He's probably still awake, right?"

"But he'll be working…"

"Let's go. We can just see his face and leave."

Geom Mugeuk and the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader started walking toward the Hidden Moon. When they arrived, they asked the martial artist guarding the entrance to call for Go Wol.

While they were waiting, Geom Mugeuk spoke up abruptly, answering the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader's earlier question. "I think it's the opposite."

"What is?"

"Strategist Go is probably worrying 'Won't the Cult Leader find me burdensome? Is he missing his chance to roam the Central Plains because he's tied to me? What will happen if the Cult Leader loses interest in me?' He might not show it, but he's probably extremely concerned about holding you back."

"Do you really think so?"

"Yes. At least, that's how I would feel, if I were him."

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader's mood brightened at Geom Mugeuk's firm reply. Even though he knew the words were meant to comfort him, they gave him strength.

Just then, Go Wol ran out of the building with a delighted expression. "Young Cult Leader, congratulations on repelling the great enemy!" he said, bowing respectfully with his hands clasped together.

"It's all thanks to you protecting us from behind the scenes," Geom Mugeuk replied.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader feigned a pout. "What about me?! I risked my life fighting too."

Go Wol looked at the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader. "You also went through a lot, Cult Leader."

His words were polite, but his eyes held a hint of playfulness. If the Young Cult Leader had not been there, his eyes seemed to say, 'Cult Leader! You suffered more!'

Seeing that look made the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader realize his worries were for nothing. The ever-busy Go Wol was still the same.

Go Wol asked Geom Mugeuk, "How do you feel?"

"Bittersweet." Geom Mugeuk smiled thinly. Not even a full day had passed since he killed Hwa Mugi.

Go Wol read Geom Mugeuk's mind with perfect accuracy. "You're more worried about the future, aren't you?"

"So you also think my father intends to conquer the murim."

As expected, Go Wol shared the same thought as the Blood Heaven Blade Demon.

"Yes, the Cult Leader will definitely try to conquer the murim."

Geom Mugeuk sighed. If even Go Wol saw it that way, then it was reality. "Give me advice as a strategist!"

The Demon Supremes had to follow his father's orders, whether they wanted to or not. While the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon or the Soul-Stealing Demon Supreme might follow him, the rest would undoubtedly follow his father.

However, Go Wol was his strategist, not the strategist of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

"There is a surefire way to stop your father, but it's a method you won't want."

"Tell me."

It was an unexpected method, and just as Go Wol had said, it was one he did not want.

"Before the promised five years are up, you, Young Cult Leader, must become the Cult Leader."

"!" Geom Mugeuk's eyes widened. Go Wol was right, this was also the most certain method. Only the Cult Leader could declare war.

The problem was that he had no desire whatsoever to take the Cult Leader's seat while his father was still perfectly healthy.

"But is there a way for me to become the Cult Leader?"

Go Wol did not answer. His expression said that he knew but could never let the words pass his lips.

From that reaction, Geom Mugeuk guessed the method. He would have to duel his father and win. If the son became stronger than the father, then father would have to cede the position of Cult Leader to his son.

"As you know, I was the Acting Cult Leader once. I was stuck in the Heavenly Demon Hall all day, working. It was truly frustrating and difficult, but I also learned that because my father endures that hardship, so many people in our Cult can live," he said plainly, then shifted his gaze from Go Wol to the moon. "The day my father steps down, I will make it the most honorable day in the world. I will make it a day befitting his lifelong efforts and devotion to protecting the Heavenly Demon Hall."

Go Wol bowed his head respectfully. As an intelligent strategist, he instantly understood Geom Mugeuk's meaning and his resolve to never take the Cult Leader's seat by defeating his father.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader, who had been listening quietly, found another way. "Hey, Young Cult Leader! I've thought of a way to stop your father!"

Geom Mugeuk and Go Wol's gazes focused on him.

The answer was wholly unexpected.

"Get married and give him a grandchild!" the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader exclaimed.

"Hahaha!" Geom Mugeuk laughed, thinking it was a joke.

However, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader was serious. "I'm not joking. If he holds a cute and handsome grandson who looks like you, his desire for war will vanish. No, since he only raised a son, give him a granddaughter. Trust me! Even the fearsome Heavenly Demon Soul will smile in front of an adorable granddaughter!"

Geom Mugeuk laughed it off as nonsense, but next to him, Go Wol nodded in earnest.

"You're still awake?" Geom Mugeuk remarked.

Geom Woojin was standing in the inner garden of his residence, hands clasped behind his back, looking up at the night sky. "Isn't that why you came? You expected as much."

"Yes, that's right." Geom Mugeuk nodded. His father always went to bed early, but for some reason, he had a feeling he would be awake tonight. That was why he had used his qi to purge the alcohol from the few drinks he had and came with a clear head.

He walked to his father's side and looked up at the same moon he had just seen with the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader, the Sword King, and Go Wol. Now, he watched it with his father.

He had not thought much of it before, but looking at the moon with his father made his heart swell with emotion. He was standing with the person he had wanted to save the most.

"How do you feel?" Geom Woojin asked.

"I feel great. So great that I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight. Oh, and look at this." Geom Mugeuk took a piece of paper from his robes. It was the schedule he had written in the Blood Heaven Blade Demon's room. "There are so many things I have to do right now. Look here, not there, and don't even think about joining the four handsome men and making the Demon Supremes uncomfortable."

The corners of Geom Woojin's mouth lifted.

Geom Mugeuk's heart soared. It was the first time he had seen his father's welcome sneer since Hwa Mugi's death. "It's here. 'Travel with Father'! I want to go on another trip with you, Father!"

"Prepare the fishing rods for that time too."

Geom Mugeuk was taken aback. He had expected his father to say he was busy, but no, he wanted a rematch of their fishing duel.

Tonight, though, he had been waiting for his son.

"Unleash the Spacetime Manipulation Technique."

Geom Mugeuk did as he was told and unleashed the Spacetime Manipulation Technique.

"That time slowing one too."

Geom Mugeuk obediently unleashed the Heavenly Space Secret Art as well, making the outside scenery visible.

Geom Woojin was amazed all over again, even though he had experienced the Heavenly Space Secret Art once before. Time flowed slowly, as if it had stopped. He could see the minute flapping of an insect's wings as it flew toward a lantern on the wall.

Geom Mugeuk hesitated. I'm sorry, Father, but I won't teach you the Heavenly Space Secret Art, no matter what.

To his surprise, his father had not told him to open this space to learn the Heavenly Space Secret Art.

"You've reached the next level of the Nine Calamities Demonic Art."

"Yes, the recent battle was helpful."

Geom Mugeuk was now at the eleventh star of the Nine Calamities Demonic Art. Only one step remained until the twelfth. Of course, that one step could take a lifetime if he was unlucky.

Geom Woojin drew the Heavenly Demon Sword. "You're not leaving here until you achieve the twelfth star."

Geom Mugeuk's jaw dropped. Father made me use the Heavenly Space Secret Art so he could train me? Ah, the reason he was wearing his sword so late at night must be because he anticipated my visit!

His father must know that his dream would become harder to achieve if his son became even stronger, but instead of asking to be taught the Heavenly Space Secret Art, his father was trying to help his son achieve twelfth star mastery. Because that was the kind of father he was.

This is why this fight is the hardest for me.

Geom Mugeuk smiled sheepishly. "As you can see, I have a lot of things to do…"

He drew the Black Demon Sword.

"…So I have to finish this before morning comes," he declared powerfully.