Chapter 859: The Most Magnificently Crazy Bastard I Know

TL: FoodieMonster007

The person who reeled in the fish was none other than Geom Mugeuk.

As all eyes focused on him, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon asked with a shocked expression, "Don't tell me… is that the 10000 Year Fire Carp?"

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon had once seen a drawing of the 10000 Year Fire Carp in the Encyclopedia of Spirit Beasts. It certainly resembled the fish Geom Mugeuk was holding.

However, neither Geom Woojin nor the other Demon Supremes had ever seen a 10000 Year Fire Carp in person. They could only guess its appearance from drawings or stories.

Geom Mugeuk looked down at the fish in his arms and answered in a trembling voice, "Yes, I think it is."

He was certain the fish he had caught was a real 10000 Year Fire Carp. He had caught one before.

The Demon Supremes were overcome with shock. Though they had been through countless trials and were not easily surprised, they had just witnessed someone catch a 10000 Year Fire Carp with a fishing rod right before their eyes.

Geom Woojin also couldn't hide his surprise. "How did you catch the 10000 Year Fire Carp?"

Geom Mugeuk replied in a trembling voice, "I don't know either."

He hadn't caught it intentionally. The 10000 Year Fire Carp he caught before his regression was from a different place and time. He couldn't even begin to describe the struggle it took to catch the 10000 Year Fire Carp in his past life.

The 10000 Year Fire Carp was not a spirit beast found in an ordinary river. He had caught it deep within a perilous, dizzying, fiery cavern.

But to catch a 10000 Year Fire Carp in a fishing tournament? And it had to be him? Was he fated to catch a 10000 Year Fire Carp at least once in his life, regardless of his regression? If not, then what?

Geom Mugeuk thought of the old man who had sent him back in time. Is this a gift for me?

It might not be a gift. If he won, he would lose the bet with his father, since he hadn't written his own name.

The 10000 Year Fire Carp thrashed powerfully in Geom Mugeuk's hands. As if bidding farewell, it spread its large fins, and a sunset-colored radiance emanated from its scales. The light, more beautiful than any sunset, mingled with a golden hue and began to shine.

The brilliant light gathered into a single point.

SHWAAAAA!

When the light vanished, the 10000 Year Fire Carp was gone. In its place, a large, red inner core remained in Geom Mugeuk's hand.

A fragrance spread through the air from the inner core of the 10000 Year Fire Carp. Along with the Blue Sky Stone Essence, it was one of the two greatest treasures in the world of miracle herbs. The scent was subtle yet clear, as if it could clear one's mind with a single breath. It was a fragrance no one there, aside from Geom Mugeuk, had ever smelled.

Geom Mugeuk gazed emotionally at the inner core in his hand. The countless efforts he had made to obtain it in his past life flashed through his mind.

Meanwhile, everyone stared at Geom Mugeuk in astonishment. He had surprised them countless times, but to do so even during a fishing tournament was unbelievable.

Geom Mugeuk spoke to the Heavenly Demon Hall bodyguard who was counting down. "Aren't you going to finish the countdown?"

The dazed bodyguard snapped to his senses and finished the count. "Three, two, one. The fishing tournament has ended!"

He announced the winner in a loud voice. There was no need to even measure the size.

"The winner of the first Heavenly Demon Cup Fishing Tournament is the Young Cult Leader!"

Although the person who caught the most fish would also receive a Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng, the true winner was determined by the biggest prize. Moreover, the fish that led to the Young Cult Leader's victory was the 10000 Year Fire Carp.

Geom Mugeuk raised the 10000 Year Fire Carp's inner core high and shouted, "I've won!"

He didn't know the result of the bet with his father, but for now, he was happy. A victory brought by the 10000 Year Fire Carp was certainly a reason to celebrate.

Just then, Geom Mugeuk received a prize greater than the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng—Geom Woojin burst out laughing. It was the first time he had ever seen his father laugh a pure, hearty laugh with no hidden intentions.

When his father laughed, the Demon Supremes laughed with him. The laughter came naturally.

As they laughed with the Cult Leader, the Demon Supremes realized it was only natural that they had changed. How could they not be influenced by a Young Cult Leader born with such a grand destiny?

Now, it was the first time in history the Cult Leader and the Demon Supremes had all laughed so heartily together.

When the laughter by the river subsided, Geom Mugeuk asked his father, "May I keep this inner core?"

Geom Woojin nodded. "You caught it, so of course it's yours."

Geom Mugeuk smiled and confirmed, "Are you sure you won't be upset if I don't give it to you, Father? You have a perfect reason to say, 'I hosted this tournament, so hand it over, you brat!'"

A faint smile touched Geom Woojin's lips. "I hosted this tournament, so hand it over, you brat!"

"Now you truly sound like the Demonic Cult Leader."

After playing along, Geom Woojin said calmly, "If it were any other miracle herb, perhaps, but no martial artist in the world would call you unfilial for disobeying me and keeping the inner core of a 10000 Year Fire Carp."

Geom Woojin and the Demon Supremes believed that such precious treasures had destined owners. They also believed that coveting a treasure not meant for you would only bring harm.

"Consume it at once. I will protect you," Geom Woojin offered.

This was the highest honor, a revered warden for the most precious of miracle herbs.

However, Geom Mugeuk proved the day's surprises were not over.

"I'm not going to consume this," he said. "There's someone I want to give it to."

Everyone was puzzled. He isn't going to consume the inner core of the 10000 Year Fire Carp? Who on earth is he planning to give it to?

Geom Mugeuk held the inner core out to one person. "Take it."

The person Geom Mugeuk offered the inner core to was Geom Muyang.

Of everyone present, Geom Muyang was the most shocked. "You're giving that to me?"

Geom Mugeuk nodded.

Geom Muyang's eyes widened. "Why?"

"What do you mean, why? I'm giving it to you because you're my hyung."

Geom Muyang shook his head firmly. "I refuse."

"Why?"

Geom Muyang's reason was the same as Geom Mugeuk's. "Because I'm your hyung. You consume it. This 10000 Year Fire Carp came to you."

"No! It came to me so I could give it to you!"

"Nonsense!"

Geom Mugeuk pouted. He had anticipated his brother's refusal. However, he had a secret weapon to break his stubborn will. He looked at his father with pleading eyes.

Geom Woojin had an inkling why Geom Mugeuk wanted to give the precious inner core to Geom Muyang. After a moment of thought, he said to his eldest son, "Muyang."

"Yes, Father?"

"Consume it."

"Father!" For the first time in his life, Geom Muyang defied his father's command. "I refuse."

Geom Woojin, as if understanding his son's heart, repeated calmly, "Consume it."

Geom Muyang could not disobey a command given twice. He could not defy the Cult Leader's order with all the Demon Supremes watching. "…Yes, Father."

He accepted the 10000 Year Fire Carp's inner core from Geom Mugeuk.

The brothers exchanged a look.

You bastard! Are you really going to do this?

Save that look for when someone tries to steal the 10000 Year Fire Carp's inner core from you.

The Demon Supremes witnessed an unbelievable scene: a man giving the inner core of a 10000 Year Fire Carp to his brother. It was a moment that reaffirmed the immensity of Geom Mugeuk's character.

"Then I will consume it."

Geom Muyang sat on the spot in a meditative posture and consumed the inner core. It melted in his mouth, the sweetest taste he had ever experienced.

An immense amount of qi began to circulate through his body, and he focused on meditating to control it. Geom Woojin placed a hand on his back, infusing a stream of qi into him to help him absorb all the 10000 Year Fire Carp's energy.

Geom Mugeuk watched silently. His eyes met with the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon, who stood opposite him. The eyes behind the mask were smiling brightly.

That was magnificent, Young Cult Leader.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon beside him nodded, and the Flower Sword Supreme smiled beautifully. The Drunken Demon filled his Ice Palace Chalice with alcohol, raised it in a toast, and drained the cup.

The Poison King focused solely on Geom Woojin and Geom Muyang, while the Demonic Buddha watched Geom Muyang with a pleased smile. The Fist Demon clenched both of his large fists, and the Soul-Stealing Demon Supreme bowed her head in respect.

Before long, the energy melted into Geom Muyang's body. With Geom Woojin's help, he absorbed every last bit of the 10000 Year Fire Carp's energy.

His qi center was now filled with incomparably pure inner qi. He possessed an amount of inner qi that would not lose to anyone except Geom Mugeuk.

Geom Muyang opened his eyes. A clear, deep light shone from them, revealing his achievement. He had truly obtained the greatest miraculous encounter a martial artist could hope for. "Thank you, Father."

After thanking Geom Woojin, Geom Muyang stood before Geom Mugeuk. When they agreed to a succession battle without killing, he had never dreamed a moment like this would come.

He said to his younger brother, "You've given me both of the most precious miracle herbs in the murim."

Geom Mugeuk had previously given him three drops of the Blue Sky Stone Essence as well.

"You're truly a madman." Then he added, "The most magnificently crazy bastard I know."

It was the highest praise he could give his younger brother.

Geom Muyang smiled brightly. "You refused the Blue Sky Stone Essence and the 10000 Year Fire Carp. Don't forget that you're just as crazy as me."

Geom Mugeuk laughed with him, then said to Geom Woojin, "Now, it's time for the award ceremony. Poison King, come over here! You have to receive your Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng."

Geom Woojin personally awarded the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng. First, he gave one to the Poison King, who had caught the most fish. "Congratulations."

"Thank you, Cult Leader." The Poison King could feel the antidote Geom Mugeuk made for him working. His relationship with the Cult Leader had already changed, and he felt it would change even more in the future.

Next, Geom Woojin held out the box containing the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng to Geom Mugeuk. "Congratulations."

"Thank you, Father."

Geom Mugeuk lifted the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng high and shouted, "I'll keep this safe and give it as a wedding gift to the first Demon Supreme to get married! Since it's up for grabs, don't miss your chance!"

Currently, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Drunken Demon were the strongest candidates.

The rest of the Demon Supremes received a Thousand Year Blood Ginseng. Only the Demonic Buddha had failed to catch a single fish.

Once again a devout high monk, he rolled his prayer beads and remarked, "The Buddha said that one must cast away greed."

Of course, Geom Mugeuk didn't pass up the opportunity to tease him. "The Demonic Buddha cast away greed, and the fish cast away the Demonic Buddha."

A golden radiance, yearning for a second tournament, emanated from the small giant's body.

Once the award ceremony was over, the moment of truth arrived. Geom Muyang took two folded pieces of paper from his robes. "I will now announce the results of the bet between Father and Mugeuk."

Everyone's attention focused on the names the two had written.

Geom Muyang unfolded Geom Mugeuk's paper first. After checking it, he held it up for everyone to see. It read: Father.

Surprisingly, Geom Mugeuk had chosen his father.

Geom Woojin asked curiously, "Why did you write my name?"

Geom Mugeuk answered honestly. "I expected you to write your own name and win. Since I also wrote your name, the bet would've ended in a draw."

"Why did you think I would win? Didn't you beat me in our last fishing bet?" Geom Woojin was confused. Why didn't his son just write his own name and win?

Geom Mugeuk shook his head. "This time is different."

The Demonic Buddha had said he wasn't as desperate as his father. The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon had also advised that he would have written his father's name.

"It's something you've longed for for so long, isn't it? I didn't think I could win." Geom Mugeuk added with a smile, "I was hoping we'd both guess right and tie, but it seems we'll tie by both being wrong."

Geom Woojin asked with an unreadable expression, "Why do you think it's a draw?"

"You must have picked yourself, Father, right? Don't tell me you didn't?"

Geom Muyang unfolded the paper Geom Woojin had written.

"!!!!" His expression faltered for a moment before he held it up for everyone to see.

Gasps erupted from the crowd. The name on the paper was: Geom Mugeuk. Surprisingly, Geom Woojin had written his son's name. The son had written the father's name, and the father had written the son's.

"I've won the bet," Geom Woojin announced gleefully.

Geom Mugeuk asked his father, shocked, "Why did you choose me?"

"Because I thought you would win."

"Why? Don't tell me you released that 10000 Year Fire Carp. Are you secretly raising a few in the Heavenly Demon Vault?"

Geom Woojin's lips curled slightly at the ridiculous joke. His reason for writing his son's name was the same as his son's reason for writing his. "Because you always achieve what you set out to do."

"!"

"I also thought you would write your own name and win for sure."

Geom Woojin and Geom Mugeuk had thought the exact same thing of each other.

Geom Mugeuk couldn't understand. If the old man sent the 10000 Year Fire Carp, he surely would have predicted this. Did he want his father to win?

Did you want Father to conquer the murim?

That didn't seem likely. Or perhaps it wasn't the old man, but his own tumultuous fate that had sent the 10000 Year Fire Carp.

"I've lost." Geom Mugeuk admitted defeat.

The Demon Supremes looked at him. No matter how exceptional Geom Mugeuk was, this was something beyond his control.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon said, as if to console him, "This is the will of the heavens."

"If I'd known I was going to lose like this, I would've just written an Elder's name to curry some favor."

The Drunken Demon poured alcohol into the Ice Palace Chalice and offered it to him. "Drink a cup for your defeat."

Geom Mugeuk downed the drink. "It's bitter!"

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon stated calmly, "I will serve you."

It was a declaration of his will to assist Geom Mugeuk at the forefront of the war, words more reassuring than any other.

"Thank you, Smiling Demon."

Before stating his wish, Geom Woojin asked Geom Mugeuk, "If you had won, what wish would you have made?"

After a brief pause, Geom Mugeuk answered, "There was something I desperately wanted to hear from you, Father. I probably would have asked for that."

Geom Woojin stared at his son silently. Right, he isn't the kind of son who would win a bet and wish for his father to abandon his dream.

He hesitated for a moment before finally opening his mouth. "My wish is…"

For you to stand at the vanguard of the war against the Murim Alliance!

Geom Mugeuk expected that wish, but what came out was something no one could have imagined. It was the same wish he had made to his father after winning the cult's martial arts tournament on the first day of his regression.

"…To go hunting with you, just the two of us."

Translator's Note: Next Monday is a holiday in lieu of Korea's Independence Day (March 1), so there will be no chapter.