Chapter 891: Right, Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

TL: FoodieMonster007

The wedding hall transformed into a grand banquet hall. The ceremonial stage was cleared away and replaced with a performance stage. Musicians took their places and began playing lively tunes. Dancers, specially prepared for this day, moved to the music. They were truly the most skilled performers.

All the chefs and kitchen staff of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult emerged, carrying tables laden with food and drinks in a seemingly endless procession.

A separate area was prepared for the Cult Leader, the Chairman, the Empress, and the high-ranking masters who accompanied them. Farther away, seats were arranged for the general guests.

Enough alcohol and food to fill the entire Great Training Ground had been prepared, allowing everyone in attendance to enjoy the feast.

Geom Woojin and the Fist Demon finally greeted Jin Paecheon, Baek Jagang, Han Seogyeong, and Jo Baekta.

Geom Woojin first approached Jin Paecheon, whose attendance had likely been the most difficult in many ways. Rather, the single carriage that had arrived hinted at how difficult his journey must have been. "Thank you for coming," he said.

"Of course, I had to come."

"Congratulations, Cult Leader Geom."

"Thank you."

"Congratulations, honored Fist Demon."

"Thank you, Chairman."

For today, Jin Paecheon decided to forget Geom Woojin's ambition to unify the murim. He was here purely to offer his congratulations. "Your son has gained a truly beautiful partner."

"She is a child whose heart is as outstanding as her looks."

"Are you already bragging about your daughter-in-law?"

Geom Woojin smiled at Jin Paecheon's joke.

"With a daughter-in-law like that, isn't she worth bragging about?" Baek Jagang, listening from the side, laughed. Just like that, he too exchanged natural greetings. "Congratulations."

"Thank you for coming."

Baek Jagang was the one who had brought five carriages packed with the most skilled masters representing the Evil Alliance. In his own way, he showed the Cult utmost respect, just as Jin Paecheon had by coming with a single carriage despite the political burden.

To Jo Baekta, the sight of the leaders of the orthodox, unorthodox, and demonic factions conversing so informally was utterly unfamiliar. Looking at this scene alone, one could believe they were martial artists from the same organization just having a casual chit-chat.

Han Seogyeong added to Geom Woojin's boasting about his daughter-in-law. "As you all know, the bride is my niece."

Geom Woojin praised the North Sea Ice Palace warmly. "How could the grace of the Ice Palace, as clear and clean as snow, be any less?"

He was not normally the type to say such things just to please someone, but today was an exception. The Ice Palace were Lee Ahn's family, and they had brought so many masters on the long journey to be here.

Han Seogyeong smiled. She had worried that Lee Ahn might be treated poorly because she was a former bodyguard, but upon arriving, she saw there was no need for such concerns.

"WAAAAAH!"

Just then, a cheer erupted from the distance.

When Geom Mugeuk and Lee Ahn arrived after changing their clothes, people flocked to them.

As Lee Ahn had felt during the ceremony, this was not just a formal cheer. They were shouting out of genuine joy.

"Don't anyone leave without seeing me! You can't just go!" Geom Mugeuk shouted.

At his characteristic joking, not only the Chairmen but also his friends and the Eight Demon Supremes all laughed. It would take a while for that chatterbox to greet everyone and make his way over.

The first people Geom Mugeuk attended to were the residents of the Demon Village, including Jo Cheonbae. "Thank you for coming!"

"Thank you so much for inviting us."

All the residents of the Demon Village had come to congratulate Geom Mugeuk. It was the first time in their lives they had seen such a magnificent wedding and so many incredible people all at once. Their respect for Geom Mugeuk was already deep, but being invited to such an event left them at a loss for words. They would likely talk and boast about this day until the day they died.

"Now, everyone, come over here and try the cooking of our Cult's best chefs."

Geom Mugeuk led them to the tables. If he did not, they would be too intimidated by the cultists to even touch the food and drinks. He had the residents of the Demon Village occupy an entire long row of tables.

"Now, let's all have a drink together!"

He poured drinks for all of them and received a cup from Jo Cheonbae.

"Congratulations on your marriage!"

After draining his cup, Geom Mugeuk did not forget to make a joke. "Even if the food here is less tasty than our dear innkeeper's, you must absolutely not show it on your face. You know why. The chefs are hiding nearby and watching, so anyone who makes a face like they don't like the food…!" He made a mock-scary face and drew the side of his hand across his neck.

Everyone burst into laughter. The atmosphere had been somewhat awkward and intimidating, but his joke eased the tension.

"Now, eat and enjoy the performances. I hear they've prepared several for today, so look forward to it."

The residents of the Demon Village watched the show. It was the first time they had ever seen such beautiful music and performances.

In particular, Jo Cheonbae wiped away tears.

"Why are you crying?"

"It's nothing. It's just the first time in my life I've seen such a mesmerizing performance."

But was that really the reason? He was crying again out of gratitude for Geom Mugeuk, who took such good care of them.

Geom Mugeuk took Jo Cheonbae's hand. "Watch the whole performance before you go."

Unlike his usual flustered self, today Jo Cheonbae gripped his hand tightly…for a moment. Suddenly, a startled "Aigoo!" escaped him, and his thin, warm hand scurried away in surprise.

The next person Geom Mugeuk and Lee Ahn greeted was Seo Daeryong.

"Young Cult Leader!"

"Sanzu Hall Director."

With so many eyes on them, Seo Daeryong acted with decorum as he offered his congratulations even though deep down, he wanted to run up and embrace Geom Mugeuk in a tight hug.

I want to joke around and say all sorts of things, like, "You know I'm the senior in marriage, right?"

"Congratulations, Young Cult Leader!"

"Thank you."

Beside Seo Daeryong stood his wife, Dan Ah, holding their son.

Geom Mugeuk went over and took the child into his arms. "Yeongha, your father is a truly great man, indispensable to our Cult. So you too must grow up strong and healthy! Be good-looking like your Mommy, and smart like your Daddy! Got it?"

Seo Daeryong was already overflowing with emotion, but hearing Geom Mugeuk say such things in front of everyone moved him even more deeply.

Seo Daeryong's sisters-in-law, Dan Bi and Dan Yeon, also offered their congratulations.

"Congratulations, Young Cult Leader!"

"At least for today, I'm cooler than my father, right?" Geom Mugeuk asked the youngest, Dan Yeon. When they had first met, she had said that Geom Woojin was the coolest.

Dan Yeon looked toward Geom Woojin in the distance. "……"

Her captivated gaze was an answer in itself.

"That's too harsh, youngest sister-in-law!"

Dan Yeon smiled. "Ahem! Just for today, our Young Cult Leader is the coolest!"

Jang Ho, who was standing next to them, clasped his hands respectfully. "My sincerest congratulations."

Lee Ahn caught Jang Ho's eye. We must have our drinking session!

Jang Ho smiled and nodded.

Of course, it would be difficult in reality. The life of Lee Ahn of the Ghost Shadow Squad and the life of Lee Ahn, wife of the Young Cult Leader, would be completely different.

"General Jang, you must be sure to paint a picture of our wedding today."

"I will."

Next, Geom Mugeuk and Lee Ahn met Ak Gunhak and Cha Yiran.

"Thank you," Cha Yiran said to them instead of congratulations.

The quick-witted Lee Ahn immediately understood why. Their marriage must have brought a decisive change to her relationship with Ak Gunhak.

So it was Lee Ahn who congratulated Cha Yiran. "Congratulations!"

"It's all thanks to you."

How could Geom Mugeuk not know what that meant? He whispered in Ak Gunhak's ear, "Is it okay to decide things just like that?"

Ak Gunhak whispered back, "Who was it that made someone who was just going to become a lonely wanderer do all sorts of crazy things?"

"I didn't think you'd actually do it just because I said so."

"……" Ak Gunhak contemplated grabbing and shaking the groom by the scruff of his neck. This guy…he's crazy, right?

"Stop teasing my man," Cha Yiran scolded Geom Mugeuk forcefully.

Geom Mugeuk whispered to Ak Gunhak again, "I think it's too late to turn back."

"I can hear you!"

Geom Mugeuk grinned broadly at Cha Yiran's shout. If those two ran an inn as a couple…

"A legendary inn will be born in the murim."

"Yes, I plan to build it up like that." Ak Gunhak said confidently. "Regardless, I see lot of people are waiting for you. Go on. Come visit us often."

"Thanks for coming, Ak-hyung!"

Watching Cha Yiran link arms with Ak Gunhak, Geom Mugeuk and Lee Ahn turned away.

Just then, the dancers' performance ended.

DOOM! DOOM! DOOM!

The sweet music stopped, and the sound of drums echoed for the next performance, a sword dance.

Geom Mugeuk grinned mischievously. The music felt as if it was expressing Ak Gunhak's future. "Oh no, what are we going to do about our poor Ak-hyung?"

Cha Yiran shouted from behind them, "I can hear you!"

Geom Mugeuk and Lee Ahn laughed and quickly walked away.

On a day like this, he could have just pretended to be busy and passed by, but Geom Mugeuk made sure to greet every single person he noticed.

"Insect Physician!"

Hearing her name called out loudly, the Insect Physician, who was conversing with the Demonic Physician, was startled. All the surrounding gazes had turned to her, and murmurs spread from all around.

"Insect Physician?"

"The money-grubbing Insect Physician?"

"That person is the money-grubbing Insect Physician?"

Geom Mugeuk imbued his voice with inner qi and addressed everyone. "You have all misunderstood her. Elder Insect Physician has spent her life raising orphans with the money she earned. She has lived a more valuable life than anyone here. I, the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, stake my name and guarantee that what I have said is the truth."

The Insect Physician was shocked that Geom Mugeuk had revealed this about her. "Why are you doing this?" she whispered. She would normally have yelled, but given the occasion, she kept her voice down.

Geom Mugeuk replied matter-of-factly, "You've been insulted your whole life, haven't you? I'm telling you to live the rest of your life being praised by people."

"!"

"You fully deserve it, Insect Physician."

"I didn't do what I did for such praise."

"I know. That's why I revealed it. Because I knew you never would." Geom Mugeuk looked at her with a gentle gaze. "I've already caused the trouble, so now it's out of my hands!"

Geom Mugeuk took Lee Ahn and almost fled to another area, shouting as he ran, "Today is day one for me, and it's day one for you too, Insect Physician!"

How could the Insect Physician not understand Geom Mugeuk's heart? Flustered by the flood of gazes, she sighed.

The Demonic Physician beside her chuckled. "To confess, I was the same."

The Insect Physician shot him a questioning look.

"I too was living a different life than I am now. It was a dark and gloomy life, but the Young Cult Leader pulled me out into the light. I am now living my life with satisfaction," the Demonic Physician explained, his peaceful expression proving that it was not a lie. "How much longer do we have to live? Since that outstanding person has led us to the light, we should just pretend we can't win and live this life as our own, and meet with me sometimes to talk about medicine."

The Insect Physician finally nodded. Right, my life has already changed a lot because of the Young Cult Leader. Right, let's see what this life in the bright world is like.

In the meantime, Geom Mugeuk moved on again, this time to the Thousand Flower Palace Chairwoman.

The Thousand Flower Palace Chairwoman gave Lee Ahn a tight hug. "I'm sure Martial Artist Lee will live better than anyone."

"You know I believe your words like they're the gospel, right, Chairwoman?"

"Yes, you can believe them."

"Thank you."

While the two women were talking, Geom Mugeuk's eyes caught sight of a person walking away in the distance. He was a tiny figure, like an ant, but Geom Mugeuk knew it was the Evil Eccentric.

[Thank you for coming!] he called out telepathically.

The Evil Eccentric was startled. He was surprised to be recognized from so far away and even more surprised by the telepathy. He could tell that Geom Mugeuk had reached a state where he could use thousand-mile telepathy at will.

However, unable to send telepathy that far himself, he just waved his hand.

Live well, Young Cult Leader.

He had been walking away from the event, thinking he would never see Geom Mugeuk again, but saying goodbye like this did not feel bad.

While Geom Mugeuk and Lee Ahn were greeting people, Geom Woojin was drinking with the Chairmen, Han Seogyeong, and Jo Baekta. They discussed matters concerning the Central Plains, as well as the situations in the Outer Regions and the North Sea.

It was truly a sight of the entire murim gathered in one place for a meeting.

A short distance away sat the young successors. Next to them, the Eight Demon Supremes, the Evil Alliance, and the masters from the North Sea and the Outer Regions sat in their respective groups, drinking.

As they talked, a cheer erupted from Geom Mugeuk's direction. The Faceless Warriors had come to congratulate him and Lee Ahn.

Among the Faceless Warriors in their brilliant masks, Geom Mugeuk was laughing with excitement. It was a bright laugh that made one automatically think, Could he really be that happy?

It was not just the Faceless Warriors. The Demonic Swords, Blade Fiends, and Iron Fists also mingled. Normally, the subordinates of the Demon Supremes did not mix, but for today at least, they moved together as if they were one organization.

Watching Geom Mugeuk surrounded by people, a thought suddenly struck Jin Paecheon. When was it? When have I ever stood among the Murim Alliance martial artists like that? And when have I ever mingled with the villagers living near the Murim Alliance Headquarters? Has it ever happened?

At some point, he had become busy and lived a life surrounded only by certain people, among high-ranking masters and famous experts. Thinking back now, he had not even been that busy.

He let out a light sigh. Why did I live my life as if I was being chased all the time?

Baek Jagang silently poured him a drink, as if he knew exactly what Jin Paecheon was thinking.

Jin Hagun and Bi Sayin also watched Geom Mugeuk as they drank.

"As always, that friend of ours gives us the answer," Jin Hagun muttered. He considered that sight to be the answer to what kind of Chairman he should become.

Bi Sayin smiled faintly. "The problem is that even if you peek at the answer sheet for the test next to you, it's not easy to write down the answer."

Everyone smiled faintly at his words. What Geom Mugeuk was showing was not something that could be done by mere imitation.

"Still, there's one fortunate thing," Han Seol said unexpectedly. "They'll show us the answer in their married life too."

Jin Haryong shook her head. "I don't know for sure, but that answer probably won't be easy to copy either. Not if it's that couple."

Everyone's expression showed they agreed with her.

"Anyway, he's so popular it'll be a while before he gets to us."

Bi Sayin looked at Geom Mugeuk. This time, the people from the trading companies who had come as guests were not letting him go.

Yong Jamyeong of the Milky Way Trading Company was introducing his son, and Geum Ahju of the Golden Guild was introducing his much-grown grandson. Geom Mugeuk was joking that they should line up in order of who brought the most expensive wedding gift.

He still had a long way to go to reach time. It would take a long time even for a man whose movement arts were faster than anyone, who could fly at the speed of light.

Yes, that must be why.

Because Geom Mugeuk was the one who filled that path with people, because he was the one who grabbed the hands of the Demon Village residents first, and because they knew how deep the feelings were in each and every one of those steps, the Cult Leader, the Chairman, the Empress, and their successors waited willingly.

Draining the cup in his hand, Bi Sayin smiled. "Right, whose wedding is it anyway? How could it end so easily?"