Chapter 862: I Didn't Bring My Pajamas

TL: FoodieMonster007

Geom Woojin remained in the Heavenly Demon Hall until late, sitting on the grand throne lost in thought long after he should have been asleep.

The doors to the Heavenly Demon Hall opened, and Geom Mugeuk entered.

"Father, I've returned!" Geom Mugeuk greeted loudly, walking down the blood-red path toward the throne.

Geom Mugeuk stopped below the throne and looked up at his father. Geom Woojin looked the same as always, yet for some reason, both his father and the throne felt different today.

Amidst the strange tension filling the hall, he said provocatively, "That seat will be mine now."

Geom Woojin scoffed at his son's declaration. "Is this treason?"

The serious atmosphere dissipated, and the midnight rebellion ended instantly.

"Of course not. I meant it'll be my seat in about thirty years," Geom Mugeuk replied sheepishly.

Geom Woojin could tell his son had changed his mind about handing over the position of Young Cult Leader. "Why the change of heart?"

"I thought about it, and it felt unfair. Why should I give such a great position to my brother for no good reason?" After his joke, Geom Mugeuk admitted honestly, "…Actually, I got scolded by the Demonic Buddha."

That explanation was enough. Geom Woojin knew the Demonic Buddha understood his eldest son best and must have persuaded his second son.

From this, he could also tell the Demonic Buddha was still fond of his eldest son. Otherwise, he would have done whatever it took to make Muyang the Young Cult Leader.

Geom Mugeuk rambled on. "Father, you know how much I love to have fun, right? If I become the Cult Leader, rumors like this will spread through the jianghu. 'Did you hear? The Demonic Cult Leader got drunk, sang, took off his clothes, and danced.' If you don't want to see that happen, please hold onto that seat for a long, long time. I'm sure I'll mature as I get older!"

"How long are you planning to make your old man suffer?"

"Until I get tired of playing and beg you to step down?"

Geom Woojin gazed quietly at his son, then said abruptly, "You've thought it through well."

The words were unexpected, and Geom Mugeuk was inwardly surprised.

Didn't Father secretly want my brother to be the successor?

He had thought so, but now his father looked pleased, as if this were the right decision.

Father, do you really want me to become the Cult Leader? Me, the one who's trying to stop your dream in any way I can?

"The Demonic Buddha is dreaming of a revenge match," Geom Mugeuk said, changing the topic. His eyes fell on the fishing rod propped against the wall behind the throne. It hadn't been put away yet. "Ah, so there's another avenger here. When I see the Demonic Buddha, I'll let him know that the revenge match will likely happen in the not-too-distant future. Well then, please rest."

He bowed politely and left the hall.

After his son left, Geom Woojin turned to look at the moon outside the window. Gazing at its brilliant light, he said to the hidden Hwi, "Bring me a good bottle of wine."

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon was reading a book in his courtyard. He had planted the Heaven Destroying Dao in the ground and was leaning comfortably against the giant blade as he read. On nights with bright moonlight like this, he often came out to the courtyard to read.

Suddenly, he sensed someone behind the giant blade. Judging by the martial skill required to approach so closely without being detected… never mind that, only one person would visit his residence at this ungodly hour.

"You rascal, why are you here again instead of sleeping at this hour?" he grumbled.

There was no reply.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon kept his eyes on his book as he said to Geom Mugeuk. "Did you have a good time with the Cult Leader on the hunt?"

Still, there was no answer, as if the visitor were planning a prank.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon continued anyway. "No matter how smart you are, how could you possibly understand a parent's heart? The Cult Leader is holding back a lot, given his personality. You can't even imagine what he's really like. So be good to your father."

"……"

When there was still no answer, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon finally looked up. "Why is this rascal so quiet? I'm telling you now, if you didn't bring your pajamas, don't even think about getting on the bed!"

A low voice came from behind the giant blade. "I didn't bring my pajamas."

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon shot up from his seat, startled. "C-C-C-Cult Leader!"

The visitor was Geom Woojin.

"Sorry for coming so late. Were you very surprised?" Geom Woojin asked.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon didn't know what to say. Surprised? He was so shocked he couldn't remember the last time he'd been this startled. He had never imagined the Cult Leader would visit in the dead of night. "What brings you here?" he asked, worried that something had happened.

However, Geom Woojin simply held up a bottle of wine. "I came to have a drink with you."

"As it happens, I was just thinking of having a drink. Please, come inside."

"The night breeze is nice. Let's drink out here."

"Then please wait just a moment."

"Take your time."

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon went inside to get cups and some simple snacks. As he was about to return, a scene outside the window caught his eye.

Geom Woojin was leaning against the Heaven Destroying Dao, looking up at the moon. Over that image, a vision of a younger Geom Woojin appeared, laughing heartily as he leaned against the giant blade and drank.

In the past, Geom Woojin always liked to lean against his giant blade when he drank. He used to say it just felt good for some reason.

Is it because of Geom Mugeuk? Lately, whenever I see the Cult Leader, I keep thinking of the old days.

Geom Woojin, who had been looking at the moon, glanced over. Their eyes met, and the Blood Heaven Blade Demon grinned before stepping outside.

"I don't have any proper snacks."

"It's fine."

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon poured a drink for him first. After receiving it, Geom Woojin filled the Blade Demon's cup, and the two men emptied their cups together. It had been a long time since they had drunk alone like this.

"Did the hunt go well?"

"We came back empty-handed."

A faint smile touched the Blood Heaven Blade Demon's lips. If the two had seriously set their minds to hunting, they would have wiped out every beast on the Great Sky Peak. "Did you get to talk much with your son?"

"My son? More like that rascal of a son."

"Hahaha!" The Blood Heaven Blade Demon laughed at Geom Woojin's joke.

"He asked about his mother," Geom Woojin added tonelessly.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon's hand paused as he poured wine into Geom Woojin's cup. "It's about time for that," he said solemnly, filling Geom Woojin's cup to the brim.

"He didn't ask me about her because he missed her."

"What do you mean?"

"The insolent brat asked me because he was worried I might be having a hard time."

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon drank his wine, his expression saying, That sounds exactly like something Geom Mugeuk would do.

After emptying his cup, he mentioned something he had never said to the Cult Leader before. "Sometimes, when I see the Young Cult Leader, I'm reminded of the Demon Queen."

Since the Demon Queen's death, he had never brought her up. This was the first time. He did so because he believed the Cult Leader's visit and his mention of the Demon Queen meant he wanted to talk about her.

Geom Woojin nodded silently.

It was a wordless response, but the Blood Heaven Blade Demon could feel that the Cult Leader dearly missed the Demon Queen. He knew how much Geom Woojin loved her, having watched it all from the beginning.

He recalled that day again.

"I will take over this murim so that we can live in peace."

The look in Geom Woojin's eyes as he said those words, his face full of passion, was not a lust for power, but the resolve of a man who had fallen hopelessly in love with a woman on the enemy side.

The face of the current Geom Woojin overlapped with the face of that young Geom Woojin.

"I have the confidence to bend the world to my will," he sighed, "but I have no confidence I can do the same with my own son."

"You can do as you please." the Blood Heaven Blade Demon said, knowing Geom Woojin's heart well. He held out his cup. "You just don't want to. Your enemies include your own family, and among them, your own son is your biggest enemy of all."

Geom Woojin smiled, clinked his cup against the Blade Demon's, and drained it.

The Blade Demon was taken aback. Ever since becoming Cult Leader, Geom Woojin had only ever shown a strong side, but today, he kept reminding him of his younger days.

He needs someone on his side right now.

"Summon the Young Cult Leader tomorrow and scold him like this: 'You brat, stop running around like a wild child and listen to your father!'"

Geom Woojin laughed pleasantly, the kind of laugh that would have made Geom Mugeuk say, 'Please smile like that for your children, too.'

"I can't do that," he replied. "That brat is the type to just say, 'Okay, Father!'"

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon agreed. If Geom Mugeuk were the type to blindly rebel and insist he was right, it would be easier to break his will. However, Geom Mugeuk held a deep respect for Geom Woojin. That was what made this fight so difficult.

It was a difficult fight for the son, but an even more difficult one for the father. Geom Woojin had a critical weakness, that no parent could ever win against their child.

After a few more drinks, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon shared words he had hidden in his heart. "If a parent is the bow, then the child must be the arrow. Even if that arrow is aimed in a direction the parent does not want…" He refilled the cup before continuing, "When the time comes, you must entrust it to the wind and release the bowstring."

Geom Woojin silently stared at his own reflection in his cup.

It was impossible to know if he had released the bowstring in his heart.

The two men drank together until the moon set.

BOOM! BOOOM! BOOM!

Fireworks exploded in the sky. The promised day had finally come. Construction in the Demon Village was complete, and the residents could move into their new homes.

The villagers were overjoyed. Their old houses had been completely transformed. Collapsed mud walls were replaced with stone, and thatched roofs with tile. One-story houses became two-story, and two-story houses became three. The interiors were filled with better furniture than they had ever owned. Clothes, daily necessities, and enough food to last a while were piled in the courtyards.

They had never known the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult would do so much for them. This went beyond saving their lives, it was a great act of grace.

"Mom! Is this our house now?"

"Yes, it's our new home."

Children ran excitedly into the houses while women shed tears, stroking the sturdy pillars. The men looked around their new homes and shops with overwhelmed hearts.

"The Demon Village is alive again!"

At someone's loud cry, everyone let out a joyous cheer.

"Long live the Cult Leader!"

"Long live the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult!"

Of course, what made them just as happy as their new homes was the fact that they had not been abandoned.

Among the rejoicing people was Jo Cheonbae, who looked up at his tavern with a deeply moved expression. The old two-story building was now a magnificent three-story one. It was a splendid inn, beautifully constructed to catch any passerby's eye. He had never dreamed the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult would rebuild his establishment so magnificently.

The kitchen was fully stocked with ingredients and the warehouse was filled with good wine. They had prepared everything so he could open for business today.

It was the same for the other businesses. The fruit stand was full of fruit, and the clothier's shop was full of fabric. The Cult hadn't just built houses, they had attended to every considerate detail.

Suddenly, a cheer rose from the distance. Everyone looked over to see the people deserving of such cheers approaching.

Geom Mugeuk and Geom Muyang entered the Demon Village, accompanied by Geom Mugeuk's bodyguards.

The bodyguards' presence was now in no way inferior to the Cult Leader's bodyguards. Considering their youth, it was a truly remarkable leap in progress.

Of course, bodyguard leader Cheokyeon was still pushing his subordinates harshly. The Young Cult Leader was growing stronger at a much faster rate than they were.

The people of the Demon Village bowed their heads and greeted them politely.

"We greet the Young Cult Leader!"

"We greet the First Young Lord!"

Geom Mugeuk grinned merrily. "How is everyone feeling?"

""Great!""

Geom Mugeuk gave the credit for the results to his older brother. "The reason we were able to rebuild the Demon Village so quickly is all thanks to the efforts of my Hyung-nim here. My Hyung-nim sacrificed his sleep to oversee the construction."

The people of the Demon Village bowed to Geom Muyang, expressing their gratitude.

"Thank you, First Young Lord."

"Thank you! First Young Lord!"

Geom Mugeuk gestured to Geom Muyang with his eyes. "Hyung-nim, say a few words."

"No," Geom Muyang immediately declined.

Geom Mugeuk insisted, "You're the one who built their houses, aren't you? You have to say something."

In the end, Geom Muyang stepped forward. He wouldn't be nervous in front of a thousand martial artists, but for some reason, being watched by the ordinary people of the Demon Village felt burdensome. "I worked hard to build it even a day sooner," he said. "But I also made sure everything was built sturdily, so don't worry. Please, live well."

It was a brief greeting, but applause and cheers erupted from all around.

Seeing the people so happy made Geom Muyang feel good as well. His efforts to finish the construction a day earlier, working day and night, had been worthwhile.

As if he had forgotten, he belatedly returned the credit to his younger brother, "Oh, and the reason this project proceeded as it did was because the Young Cult Leader holds all of you in special regard. Don't forget that."

Geom Mugeuk waved to the residents, grinning shamelessly. "Did you hear that? You mustn't forget that it's all thanks to me!"

The residents laughed happily. Even if Geom Muyang hadn't said it, they all already knew.

The elders of the Demon Village often said this was the most blessed era for the village in the history of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, and everyone knew it was thanks to the Young Cult Leader.

Jo Cheonbae, who had been lost in the crowd, ran up and greeted, "Young Cult Leader."

Geom Mugeuk smiled. "Innkeeper Jo! How do you feel?"

"It's wonderful. I'm so happy." Jo Cheonbae looked up at the inn. On the large sign above the entrance, the characters for the Alluring Inn (風流酒店) were written splendidly in a powerful script. He didn't know who wrote it, but the characters were truly wonderful. "The calligraphy is especially magnificent. I don't know which master calligrapher wrote this, but please be sure to tell them that I'd like to treat them to a drink."

"Okay! I'll be sure to pass the message on to Father."

"Thank you… Huh?" Jo Cheonbae flinched. A chill ran down his spine, and his heart began to pound. "W-What did you just say?"

"I said I'd tell my father."

"Why the Cult Leader?"

"Because he wrote those characters?"

Horrified, Jo Cheonbae trembled like an aspen leaf. "T-The Cult Leader wrote that sign? How on earth could this happen?!"

"Because I asked him to," Geom Mugeuk replied proudly.

The surrounding residents stared up at the sign, their faces shocked.

"Oh my, for such a noble person to do that!"

Jo Cheonbae didn't know what to do. Imagining the Demonic Cult Leader writing his tavern's name sent him beyond gratitude into a state of shock. This was an even more moving event than the characters that had disappeared along with the wall before.

Tears welled up in his eyes.

"I don't know how I can ever repay this kindness."

"You can repay it with your unchanging, delicious cooking, of course. Now, now, everyone, let's gather at the Alluring Inn!"

Geom Mugeuk beamed. Seeing these people living well held great meaning for him. No matter what anyone said, his own demonic path was right here in the Demon Village.

"I'll be the first to patronize the new business. Innkeeper Jo, set the table!"