Translator: FenrirTL

Editor/Quality Checker: Saphartlantis

Murim Term Consultant: Kopke 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

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Chapter 332: I Tried to Console Him in My Own Way

I had a gift for the Great Drunken Demon.

On the way back, I stopped by a famous distillery in the Wilderness and bought some liquor.

Jeokyeon unloaded the boxes of alcohol from the carriage. It wasn’t just one or two bottles. I had bought several bottles of various types, enough for him to enjoy over time.

"You didn’t… buy these for me, did you?"

"I picked them out based on what you like, but I’m not sure if you’ll enjoy them. I left out anything too strong on purpose. Thought I’d be mindful of your health."

Song Sa-Hyuk looked flustered at the unexpected gift. Originally, he’d just come to say something snarky to Geom Mugeuk, asking if everything went well without him and the Demonic Buddha. But a gift?

Ma Bul spoke on my behalf.

"The Young Cult Leader stopped by several places in the Wilderness for your sake. He didn’t mind the trouble of traveling far out."

The Demonic Buddha used this moment to make up for the guilt of not handing over the poisonous herb to Geom Mugeuk.

"Well then, I’ll leave you two to talk. I’m heading to the Cult Leader’s Hall."

With that, he walked off.

After he left, the Great Drunken Demon inspected the liquor. What moved him wasn’t just that I had bought alcohol. It was that every drink we had once agreed was good while drinking together in the Wilderness was in there. I had remembered all of it.

The Great Drunken Demon picked up a bottle, opened the cap, and drank straight from it.

The taste of the liquor was unbelievably sweet.

"Give me a sip too."

I took the bottle he handed over and had a drink.

"It definitely tastes different from the ones in the Central Plains. I’ll be visiting soon, so let’s share a drink again then."

That was when someone else showed up.

"You’re back, I see?"

It was the One-Slash Sword Supreme.

Song Sa Hyuk asked her pointedly,

"I thought you were too busy training?"

She had come because she wanted to see Geom Mugeuk. She also wanted to show that she was still in training—no makeup on, unbothered. But there was one more reason.

"I came to tell you that next time, you should bring our drunkard here with you. But it looks like that won’t be necessary."

She glanced at the boxes of alcohol and asked,

"You bought a lot. Didn’t bring me a gift?"

"I’m sorry, but this time, the gift was only for our Great Drunken Demon."

Then Song Sa-Hyuk turned to me and asked,

"Not even one for the Cult Leader?"

I nodded.

He looked flustered—but also pleased.

Normally, this would’ve been a moment to crack a loud joke, but not in front of So Yeonrang. How could she not know? She was clearly here as a form of protest, since only the Demonic Buddha had been taken along.

The One-Slash Sword Supreme asked me,

"And the task?"

"It’s been taken care of."

"Of course, since it was you who went."

"There were a few dangerous moments."

She repeated what she’d said before.

"Of course, since it was you who went." 1

It was her way of saying that winds and storms always follow Geom Mugeuk.

"Since you're back, drop by sometime."

"Yes, I’ll come see you soon."

So Yeonrang looked at the Great Drunken Demon and asked,

"Shall I help you carry them in?"

Song Sa-Hyuk nodded. With inner strength, whether it was ten boxes or a hundred, it wouldn’t be a problem to carry them. It wasn’t that she didn’t know—she just asked anyway.

The Great Drunken Demon and the One-Slash Sword Supreme each carried boxes filled with bottles and walked side by side to their destination.

After walking for a while, So Yeonrang suddenly said to him,

"Demon Supreme, it’s time you grow up a little."

Song Sa-Hyuk had no words to respond with.

Just as the two of them departed, another Demon Supreme arrived. This time, it was the Soul Reaper Demon Supreme.

"You’ve returned safely?"

Since the whole trip to the Wilderness had started because of her, how could she not come out to see them?

"Thanks to your concern, the journey went well."

After exchanging greetings, Cheong Seon asked for Jeong Dae.

"Where is Master?"

"The Cult Leader remained at the Heavenly Wind Cult."

Seeing her startled, I quickly added,

"He said he’ll come as soon as things are wrapped up on his end, so it shouldn’t be long."

Disappointment flickered across her face. It was clear the Soul Reaper Demon Supreme had been waiting for the former Heavenly Wind Cult Leader more than anyone else. These days, the Cult Leader was explosively popular among his disciples. 2

After she left, Seo Daeryong said,

"Just how many Demon Supremes have shown up here? Let’s see—one, two... That’s already four!"

Then I answered,

"No, it’s five."

"Huh? Did I miscount?"

My gaze turned toward a giant statue standing in the distance.

"There’s another one over there."

"Who is it?"

Seo Daeryong squinted but couldn’t make out who it was from such a distance.

But with the New Eye Technique, I could see clearly. Someone I was more glad to see than anyone else.

Wearing a white mask, arms crossed, silently watching from afar—it was the Evil Smiling Demon. On top of the statue where he once stood before.

‘Soma-nim!’

Even from that far away, he had come to see me return.

Last time, he said maybe he’d be the one to greet me when I returned to the cult. Those weren’t just empty words—he’d actually come out again to welcome me.

‘Thank you, Soma-nim. I’ll come find you later.’

Not knowing if he could see me, I bowed my head in his direction and turned toward the Cult Leader’s Hall.

Because right now, I missed my father so terribly.

* * *

Inside the Heavenly Demon Pavilion, Father was there with the Strategist Advisor Sima Myung.

MA Bul had already greeted them and gone on his way.

"I’ve returned, Father."

He accepted my greeting with a stern face, but I was so happy and glad to see him. I wished this emotion would show clearly on my face. I wished Father would notice it.

"Strategist Advisor, I’ve returned."

"You’ve worked hard, Young Cult Leader."

He had already been informed of everything that happened in the Wilderness through Hidden Moon.

"During that time, we weren’t able to detect any movements related to the Blood Cult from our side. It was entirely my oversight."

"It’s not your fault. Before that man died, he told me he originally aimed to revive the Blood Cult but changed his mind. To prove it, he even tried to destroy the final sanctuary the Blood Cult left behind in his last moments. He was entirely driven by personal desires."

Of course, Sima Myung must have had some inkling. After all, Baek Cheongyeong, who had been secretly active within the Martial Alliance, had nothing to do with the Blood Cult.

"There may still be remnants out there, so be cautious."

"They’re the ones who should be cautious. Do they know whose son they laid hands on?"

At my joke, Sima Myung smiled.

Then Father, who had only been listening until now, suddenly asked me a question.

"What kind of people are they?"

He cut straight to the point, skipping all preamble. He was asking about my instinct.

"They are extremely dangerous. More than any organization that has ever emerged in the Murim. No one else has ever dared to target both the Divine Cult, the Martial Alliance and the Wilderness at the same time."

Geom Woojin slowly nodded in agreement.

Looking at Sima Myung, Father said,

"Looks like things will get busy for you."

It was both a command to proceed with care and a sign of trust in him.

"I’ll report as soon as any new information comes in. Then I’ll leave the two of you to speak."

Sima Myung respectfully bowed and withdrew.

Father stepped down from the Celestial Zenith Throne.

"Let’s walk for a bit."

"Yes, Father."

Lately, Father had taken a liking to walking with me. Walking together through the inner court benefited me in many ways. Every time the passing cultists saw us like this, their respect and loyalty toward me would deepen.

"Ah, right. Father, I’ve unlocked the secret of the Secret Box."

Father stopped in surprise.

I took the Secret Box out from my robes and told him about how I had absorbed the aura of Black Eye at the Heavenly Wind Cult.

"If you wish, I’ll return it to you."

"It’s a fated object now bound to you. It’s yours."

Father always moved me in moments like these. It made me naturally think, Father is truly my father.

Instead of taking the Secret Box, Geom Woojin reached out and held my wrist. A stream of energy flowed through it. He was checking to see if anything was wrong with my body.

"There’s definitely a foreign energy within you, but I can’t identify it. Still, it doesn’t feel malicious."

I looked down at the Secret Box in my hand. Just as Father said, this object had become my fate. And I could feel—it was not a harmful one.

"If there’s any change in my body, I’ll inform you right away."

Though I couldn't feel the aura of Black Eye, I could feel Father's concern. It was a force more precious and powerful than any energy in the world. 3

"Ah, and the former Heavenly Wind Cult Leader remained at the cult. Through this incident, he’s grown closer with the current Cult Leader. Just like you and me, Father."

"You think we’ve grown closer?"

"'Close' doesn’t do it justice. We’re tight, thick as thieves, fiery even. Ah! This feeling... there’s no way to describe it in words."

A smirk formed at the corner of Father's lips. Seeing that smile filled me with a warm relief—I really was home.

"There’s someone else you should be getting close with, don’t you think?"

I laughed and said,

"I was planning to pay my respects and see Brother first, anyway."

* * *

Tension filled the Iron Workshop of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

A new weapon was being finalized for testing. Today’s item was a pair of gauntlets designed for practitioners of fist techniques.

"The gauntlets we developed this time are made of material so thin and supple that you won’t even feel like you're wearing them. However, their durability has been greatly enhanced and they won’t be cut by a blade anymore."

The one giving the explanation was Master Gwak of the Iron Workshop. Standing before him was the Eldest Young Master, Geom Muyang.

It was Geom Muyang himself who planned and led the development of these gauntlets. He was now responsible for several key tasks within the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

At first, Geom Muyang thought he’d be pushed into a minor position.

But Geom Mugeuk entrusted him with many of his important responsibilities. And not just administrative ones—he gave him matters related to elite units within the cult, even assignments connected to the Eight Demon Supremes. It was a clear display of trust from his younger brother. 4

The durability test was a success. Even after being struck with a blade, the gauntlets weren’t damaged. Cheers erupted from those watching.

"Not only that, but the gauntlets have enhanced the power of the fists beyond their previous capabilities."

"You’ve worked hard."

"It was you, Eldest Young Master, who truly worked hard."

In truth, Master Gwak had shaken his head many times during this project. He had always prided himself on his meticulousness, but compared to the Eldest Young Master, he felt like a lazy slacker.

Geom Muyang visited the workshop several times a day to check the progress. If he found even the slightest flaw, he would ask for a complete remake.

But it wasn’t as though Geom Muyang just barked orders. He did the research himself, led by example, and investigated the materials firsthand. So the Iron Workshop had no room to complain. Thanks to that, they succeeded in creating the best gauntlets to date. 5

"We’ve prepared gauntlets for fifty people so far. Eldest Young Master, you should personally deliver them to the Eastern Fist Faction."

With this level of effort, he had certainly earned the right to take credit himself.

"Thank you for your consideration."

"Seeing these gauntlets, I think the Fist Demon King will be very pleased."

"One day, we’ll have to craft a pair worthy of the Fist Demon King himself." 6

The quality was excellent, but these were still mass-distribution gauntlets.

"Let’s hope those ones are made at a different workshop."

At Workshop Lord Gwak’s joke, Geom Muyang gave a faint smile.

Just then, a voice called out from behind.

"As expected! Loyalty runs in the family."

The two turned to see Geom Mugeuk entering the workshop.

"You go and develop gear for the one who backed you first."

During the successor struggle, Dan Woo-gang had officially declared his support for Geom Muyang.

Unlike in the past, Geom Muyang responded to the jab lightly.

"Isn’t that obvious? I’ll keep developing gear only for the Fist Demon King and the Demonic Buddha. If you don’t like it, you’re welcome to kick me out."

"You’re too good at your job for that."

Geom Mugeuk turned and greeted Gwak Bangju politely.

"It’s been a while, Master Gwak."

"I heard you’d returned."

"May I try on the gauntlets?"

"Of course."

Geom Mugeuk slipped on the gauntlets. Master Gwak watched with a touch of nervousness. Everyone knew that Geom Mugeuk had inherited Fist Demon King’s martial arts. This was the first test by a true master of the fist arts.

After a few trial swings and punches, shadowboxing through the air, Geom Mugeuk broke into a pleased smile.

"These are excellent. May I keep this pair?"

Only then did Gwak Bangju relax.

"Of course."

"Then sign your name on them as a memento, Workshop Lord. Wouldn’t that raise their value tenfold?"

Smiling, Master Gwak stepped aside to give them space to talk.

When Geom Muyang went to carry the box of gauntlets all at once, Geom Mugeuk grabbed half and helped him carry it.

The two walked side by side.

"Ma Bul was a huge help on this last mission."

"He’s a good man. Don’t ever treat him disrespectfully."

Geom Mugeuk looked at Geom Muyang and smiled.

"Why are you smiling?"

"You know, if you think about it, you take good care of people around you. Like how you had the gauntlets developed first, too."

"Closing the barn after the cow’s gone, that’s all."

"That cow didn’t go far. It was still hanging around the barn."

Geom Muyang let out a short laugh.

"Thanks, brother."

In response, Geom Muyang spoke, somewhat coldly.

"Do you know I regret it several times a day? That I fall asleep every night imagining myself as the heir? I’m not someone you should be thanking, so don’t thank me."

"That’s why I’m thanking you."

"What?"

"Thank you for saying that. And if it ever starts boiling inside you again and you feel like you can’t hold it in, come find me and say it like this. If I’m not around, go to the Demonic Buddha. If that doesn’t help, find the Fist Demon King. And if you really can’t take it anymore, go to Father."

"Why’s Father last? You should’ve left him out."

"Talking to Father would probably be the most relieving."

Geom Muyang stopped walking and looked at me.

"You need to get closer to Father. Forget the whole Young Cult Leader thing—at the end of the day, we’re his sons, aren’t we?"

This was how I tried to console my brother in my own way.

"Father and Ma Bul worry about you. But me? I don’t. I have zero intention of comforting you either. You’ll be fine on your own. I’m the one who knows just how ruthless you really are." 7

Geom Muyang gave a faint, self-deprecating smile.

But I know. I know all too well how quickly a person can fall apart once they start to crack.

When the heart begins to whisper temptations, we come to realize—our will isn’t locked in with some thousand-year iron chain. Sometimes, it’s tied up with little more than fabric that unravels at a tug.

"Have you ever asked Father?"

"Asked what?"

"What he finds difficult."

For a moment, Geom Muyang flinched.

"Did you ask him?"

"I didn’t. I figured that’s something the eldest son should ask first."

My brother stared at me.

This was the way I chose to comfort him. Because once you let yourself sink into self-pity, you fall endlessly into the abyss.

"I think it’s high time we take care of him. Let’s start with you first—because you’re the eldest."[a][b] 8

1 : Lol, true that. The Main Protagonist Aura of Disasters XDXDXD

2 : Including Mugeuk ^^

3 : Ah yes, the power of love ^^ In Grimory’s own words, “Let me ask you, who can get angry at the sight of a lovely rabbit running across ? Is it strange for one to fall in love with beautiful flowers ? That’s what ‘Love’ truly means !! Only a handful number of people can truly fall in love with something !! And let me tell you, if you could truly fall in love, then even a wild flower growing on the ground could be worth more than countless treasures !! Such is the true power of Love !!! O’ Demon Lord, give the world your Love, and with Love, the World shall be yours !!!!’ (Archdemon Dilemma XDXDXD)

4 : Also because he’s busy running around so he sneakily pushed all his work on you XDXDXD

5 : Careful Daryeong, your right arm position might be stolen from you XDXDXD

6 : And one for Mugeuk too ^^

7 : Well yeah, considering how he had to endure his propaganda campaign and see him win back then, he sure know how ruthless he is ^^

8 : Lol, pushing him to the lions ^^ Same as being in a horror setting and letting ladies go first XDXDXD

[a]Maybe: I think it's time we start taking care of him. You can start first, as the eldest.

[b]Or

“I think it’s time for us to take care of them. You start with me, hyung, because you’re my hyung.”